RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Report Highlights Aquatic Invasive Species Solutions

Recommendations focus on modernizing marine fisheries laws, making strategic investments, and improving collaboration among federal, state, local, and tribal agencies

The Aquatic Invasive Species Commission, which includes the TRCP and key partners, has released a new report titled, “Improving the Prevention, Eradication, Control and Mitigation of Aquatic Invasive Species.” In the report, the commission calls on Congress to modernize laws, increase spending, and improve coordination at federal, state, local, and tribal levels to combat harmful aquatic invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species .

Founded in 2022 by scientists, conservationists, anglers, boaters, business leaders, and policy experts, the AIS Commission has worked to assess existing mitigation efforts and identify more effective eradication solutions for invasive species in our nation’s waters, culminating in this detailed report.

Many stakeholders consulted by the commission urged Congress to direct agencies to identify regulatory gaps and weak links across all levels of government. Information sharing and the development of data-driven solutions would enable the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, an intergovernmental organization, to spread costs and eradicate invasive species in an increasingly interconnected natural environment, the report states. Empowering this task force with autonomy, staff, and resources was another focus of the report. FULL ANNOUNCEMENT.

Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee Releases 2023 Invasive Carp Action Plan

The Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee is pleased to announce the release of its 2023 Invasive Carp Action Plan, a comprehensive portfolio of more than 50 projects focused on Great Lakes protection. The action plan serves as a foundation for the work of the Invasive Carp Regional Coordinating Committee partnership, a collaboration of 26 U.S. and Canadian federal, state, provincial, tribal, regional and local agencies

The 2023 Invasive Carp Action Plan, funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and annual agency appropriations, includes an array of invasive carp detection, prevention and control projects focused within key geographic areas of risk. Additionally, the action plan incorporates projects centered on the development and testing of new technologies, support for partnership coordination and comprehensive stakeholder communication. Activities include aggressive efforts to reduce populations of bighead and silver carp along established fronts, large-scale field trials of potential invasive carp deterrent technologies and actions to address black and grass carp threats. FULL ANNOUCEMENT.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Western Regional Panel on ANS

April 18th 1-3 pm mountain time; WRP Mid-Year Webinar

The 2-hour meeting will cover updates from all WRP committee, details on the 2023 Annual Meeting, QZAP 2.0 progress and short presentations.  The current agenda is attached here but information can also be found online including the webinar join link. Pre-registration is not required, simply use the join link provided in the agenda or on the website. 

FICMNEW Public Meeting

April 27, 2023; 1-2:30 pm ET - Efforts to Control European Frogbit (

  • Presenter(s): Thomas Alwin and Sarah Lesage from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  •  Meeting ID: 160 185 0461
  • Passcode: 827353

North American Invasive Species Management Association Webinar Series

April 19, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT: Ventenata Identification, Impacts, and Management Options

Ventenata (Ventenata dubia) is one of the most recent troublesome invasive plant species to affect range, pasture, and wild lands of the Intermountain Pacific Northwest and Northern Great Plains of the U.S. This presentation will cover biology, ecology, and management of ventenata. Grass identification can be difficult, and this presentation will also discuss how to identify ventenata relative to other non-native annual grasses that are problematic on western range and wild lands. In areas where ventenata is just beginning to invade, identification is critical for early detection and rapid response.

Invasive Species Centre Webinar

Apr 19, 2023 11:00 am ET; Horizon Scanning for invasive species threats to ecosystems, economy, and human health

Managing invasive species with prevention and early detection strategies can avert severe ecological and economic impacts. Horizon scanning, an evidence-based process combining risk screening and consensus-building to identify threats, has become a valuable tool for prioritizing invasive species management and prevention. In this presentation I will explain the process of conducting a horizon scan for invasive species threats using Florida as an example, the first of its kind in North America. Our primary objectives were to identify high risk species, their arrival pathways, impact mechanisms, and to demonstrate the utility of horizon scanning.

NC RISCC spring 2023 webinar series.

May 5, 2023, 10 - 11 am (MT):  EDDMapS, presented by Annette Evans (University of Massachusetts Amherst) and Chuck Bargeron (University of Georgia) 

Tool overview: An existing, web-based tool that aggregates observation data to provide a database of invasive species and pest population information for the US and Canada. EDDMapS also includes a range shift listing tool that provides information for selected species under future climate conditions which can aid invasive species prevention and early detection.

June 2, 2023, 10 - 11 am (MT):  NEDRRIS. presented by Amy Wray (USGS)

Tool overview: The final webinar will introduce a new system that is in development - an online portal that will house existing tools and datasets to aid invasive species management - from species distribution models to occurrence data and more. This centralized hub will facilitate early detection and rapid response to biological threats across the US. AFWA sponsored webinars:

Thurs April 27th at 3pm ET - Invasive Species Policy and Biology: Patterns in Eastern US State Laws & Opportunities for an Integrative Database Using AI Technology

State-to-state regulations on introduced and invasive species can vary considerably on the landscape. To examine patterns and continuity concerning what and how invasive species are regulated, the Invasive Species Working Group at Virginia Tech has compiled data on legal and regulatory frameworks for introduced and invasive species for 21 eastern US states. With this data, they are working to develop a comprehensive database that will serve as a hub for invasion science and policy. They aim to integrate next-generation data system architecture and artificial intelligence (AI) models needed to build a sustainable, informative, and accessible data delivery system. Join Virginia Tech researcher, Dr. Emily Reed, to learn about this project and future project expansions and applications. This talk is hosted in partnership with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Closed captions will be provided via Zoom. Learn about the Virginia Tech Invasive Species Working Group here: https://globalchange.vt.edu/research/working-groups/invasive-species-working-group.html

Wed May 24th at 4pm ET; Pesky Pentastomes: Coming to a State Near You Webinar

Snake pentastomes are a type of parasitic arthropod that infects the respiratory system of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles. While there are several native pentastomes that affect snakes, two invasive species of pentastomes are a now a conservation concern here in the United States and have the potential to spread with the trade in snake species. See a factsheet on snake lung parasites here: https://parcplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/WFP-Fact-Sheet%E2%80%93Snake-Parasite_4.pdf.  Registration coming soon!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

UGA-Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health-Tifton Campus

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position will work on mapping and modeling invasive and potentially invasive species to North America as part of a U.S. Forest Service funded project. This grant-funded position is initially funded for 19 months and could be extended if additional funding is available. The primary work will be utilizing distribution data from EDDMapS (www.eddmaps.org) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (www.gbif.org) to model and map species distribution with variables of current and future climate, current land cover, and human population density. The position will be located in the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health and will work closely with the Center faculty and staff. For further details and/or to apply, go to https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/308190. The position is open until filled; however, the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - QZAP FY2023

The Funding Opportunity for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife QZAP FY2023 has been posted. The total funding amount for projects is approximately $2,200,000.00, which is similar to last year. There has been significant change in the application process over the past three years, resulting from our transition to GrantSolutions.gov. This opportunity will be open for application through June 12, 2023.   Applications will need to be submitted through grantsolutions.gov, and you will need to create a login and password to access the system. There are recipient tutorials online linked below. The funding announcement number is F23AS00319 and the full title is "F23AS00319 FY2023 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in the Western United States - 2023". Please feel free to reach out to barak_shemai@fws.gov. The opportunity can also be found at grants.gov but applications may NOT be submitted through grants.gov   2023 QZAP GRANT

RECOMMENDED READING

Biological invasions are as costly as natural hazards

Turbelin, A. J., Cuthbert, R. N., Essl, F., Haubrock, P. J., Ricciardi, A., & Courchamp, F. (2023). Biological invasions are as costly as natural hazards. Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation.

Barriers to participation in aquatic invasive species prevention among Illinois, USA recreational water users

Golebie, E.J., van Riper, C.J., Hitzroth, G. et al. Barriers to participation in aquatic invasive species prevention among Illinois, USA recreational water users. Biol Invasions (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03055-x

Comparison of resource use by invasive Black Carp and native fishes using isotopic niche analysis reveals spatial variation in potential competition

Evans, H.S., Coulter, A.A., Johnson, A.L. et al. Comparison of resource use by invasive Black Carp and native fishes using isotopic niche analysis reveals spatial variation in potential competition. Biol Invasions (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03038-y

Exploring lake user and manger knowledge of aquatic invasive species in New Hampshire freshwater lake systems, USA

Velie, R. E., Poulos, H. M., & Green, J. M. (2023). Exploring lake user and manger knowledge of aquatic invasive species in New Hampshire freshwater lake systems, USA. Journal for Nature Conservation, 126405.

Small but Mighty: The Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) as a Model Species of Biological Invasions

Cerwenka, A. F., Brandner, J., Dashinov, D., & Geist, J. (2023). Small but Mighty: The Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) as a Model Species of Biological Invasions. Diversity, 15(4), 528.

ANS IN THE NEWS

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch Is So Big, Invasive Species Are Now Thriving On It

April 18, 2023. Coastal critters thought to be strangers to the open ocean have been found amongst the seething mass of plastic waste that is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Blue catfish are invasive. Eating them might help a Chesapeake Bay staple

April 18, 2023. Chef Zack Mills has aimed for environmental balance in his craft for decades, but now with invasive blue catfish potentially threatening a Chesapeake Bay staple, blue crabs, the cook has another item on his menu.

Red-eared slider turtles slip into SA, another invasive species

April 15, 2023. Red-eared sliders are freshwater terrapins or turtles from North America and are the most globally traded turtles in the pet industry. They are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Invasive Species Specialist Group as one of “Top 100” worst invasive species in the world.

20-pound rodents with big orange teeth, rat-like tails, and no necks are wreaking havoc in the US and landing on 'most unwanted' lists

April 15, 2023. A large aquatic rodent with bright orange teeth is causing environmental destruction in the US as wildlife officials struggle to keep the species from proliferating further.

Invasive parasite found in Murray cod, trout cod across New South Wales

April 15, 2023. Researchers have detected a high degree of a parasite, which can burrow into the gut of infected humans, in freshwater fish species across New South Wales.

Scientists track one of the world’s most invasive ants in waterways

April 15, 2023. As yellow crazy ants invade habitat across Queensland, James Cook University researchers have developed a world-first environmental DNA (eDNA) method that can detect infestations of the highly invasive species.

Alewife seasonal fish kill smelling up local beaches

April 14, 2023. Vermont wildlife officials say the warm weather is causing alewives to wash up. The non-native species are subject to seasonal fish kills because they can’t handle the lake’s cold temperatures. They die in the winter and get frozen in the ice and then thaw out and float to shore in the spring.

Fishing tournament aims to help reduce invasive species

April 13, 2023. If you’re an angler, or you’re interested in learning about invasive freshwater fish, come check out the 2023 SWFL CISMA Invasive Fish Roundup weigh-in on Sunday, May 7. In this tournament, folks harvest invasive fish such as Mayan cichlids, tilapia, armored catfish and more to win prizes while reducing the impacts of these invaders on our local environment.

Caroline leaders pen video storybook to inspire targeting invasive blue catfish

April 12, 2023. A new online storybook produced by Federalsburg Mayor Kimberly Abner and Beth Brewster, food service supervisor for Caroline County Public Schools, is a cautionary tale.The leaders decided to tell the story of the invasive species gobbling up Chesapeake Bay native species — blue crabs, striped bass, sturgeon and other species.

Nebraska Game and Parks works to clear invasive species from Standing Bear Lake

April 12, 2023. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wants to make Standing Bear Lake a paradise for fishermen. That includes updating the boat launch and the lake itself to make it a sustainable environment for fish.

As part of the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Project, Nebraska Games and Parks cleared invasive fish species from the lake Tuesday.

New method proves effective to decrease invasive species in Lake Erie

April 11, 2023. Researchers at the University of Toledo are making significant strides in tracking invasive species of fish in area rivers and the Great Lakes. The invasive grass carp fish has been repopulating the Sandusky River for years and could ruin Lake Erie's wetland ecosystems.

USDA says public can help control invasive species

April 11, 2023. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, April is “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month”, and the department wants people to be on the lookout for damaging, invasive species known as “hungry pests.”                        

‘They are serial killers’: How blue crabs are devastating the fishing industry in southern France

April 8, 2023. Scientists are trying to find the cause of the invastion, but for the time being the only way to keep the numbers under control is fishing. Since the crab tastes so good, local restaurant owners are considering putting it on the menu.

Michigan’s invasive species grant funding 5 Southeast Michigan-based projects in 2023

April 7, 2023. This year, MIGSP has funded $3.6 million for 35 projects, with five being based in Southeast Michigan. The program started in 2014 and is run by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. 

Fuji Park Baily's Pond closed to remove invasive species including jellyfish, pet goldfish, and more

April 7, 2023. On Wednesday, April 12, from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department, in conjunction with volunteers and the Nevada Division of Wildlife, will be netting the pond to remove invasive aquatic species that have been illegally introduced.

Conservation groups sue EPA seeking rules for discharges from cruise ships and other vessels

April 7, 2023. Two conservation groups are suing the Environmental Protection Agency over its alleged failure to finalize standards to protect U.S. waterways from harmful vessel discharges, including those from cruise ships.

Maryland pushes for Chesapeake Bay state of emergency as invasive populations like snakeheads grow

April 6, 2023. In a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the bipartisan congressional delegation says invasive catfish and snakehead fish, which feed on blue crabs, striped bass and other Chesapeake Bay species, are harming the state's seafood industry.

Shellfish growers in Northwest’s oyster capital want ‘blitz’ against invasive green crabs

April 5, 2023. Shellfish growers in Willapa Bay in southwest Washington, the self-styled “Oyster Capital of the World,” are alarmed by an invasion of potentially destructive nonnative European green crabs. Some are asking for an all-out trapping offensive to corral the invasive species.

New tool shows progress in fighting spread of invasive grass carp in Great Lakes

April 5, 2023.  New research reveals the progress scientists at The University of Toledo are making in their ongoing efforts to capture and remove invasive grass carp from the Great Lakes.

Washington state leaders push for federal funding to trap invasive European green crabs

April 5, 2023. U.S. Senator Patty Murray and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer joined leaders from the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe along with environmental advocates and experts Wednesday to get an update on the progress of efforts to trap European green crabs.

New tool shows progress in fighting spread of invasive grass carp in Great Lakes

April 5, 2023. New research reveals the progress scientists at The University of Toledo are making in their ongoing efforts to capture and remove invasive grass carp from the Great Lakes.

Sea spiders and Asian crabs: new invasive species threatening Jersey marine life

April 5, 2023. A marine researcher who monitors invasive wildlife around Jersey's coastline has found an increasing number of species typically found in warmer waters.

Invasive Burmese python in Florida lays a record 96 eggs in one go

April 3, 2023.A female Burmese python – an invasive species in the US – has laid a clutch of 96 eggs in one go, almost double the average for these snakes

Oklahoma authorities ask fishing guides to remove an invasive species from state waters: 'Do not return it'

April 3, 2023. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) wants anglers to know that there’s an invasive carp species that needs to be removed from state waters.