RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANS Task Force Meeting This Week!
The next ANS Task Force meeting will be held May 24-26, 2022, from 12pm to 4 pm ET each day. The meeting will be 100% virtual through Microsoft Teams, with an audio only option for those without web access. This information, with instructions for participation, will be forthcoming. Meeting Agenda
Registration: Registering will allow us to make sure we have enough space on the call for everyone to participate. The contact information you provide will be used to send you the meeting invite and instructions on how to join. To register, please complete the form at: https://forms.office.com/g/HAvqZfsj8v. If you have any difficulty accessing the registration form, please contact ANSTF Executive Secretary (susan_pasko@fws.gov)
UPCOMING MEETINGS
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NAISMA Monthly Webinars:
June 15, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT - Spotted Lanternfly Ecology and Biocontrol Efforts
July 20, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT - “Jumping Worms:” What We Know Now
August 17, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT - How to Get Your Project Funded
NotMISpecies Webinar Series:
June 09, 2022, 9:00 - 10:00 am.ET - Didymo: What you need to know
The December 2021 discovery of didymo, an aquatic nuisance algae species, in Michigan’s Upper Manistee River is a cause for concern for all river and stream users. Dr. Ashley Moerke of Lake Superior State University will provide an overview of didymo's ecology, potential impacts on cold water organisms, and what LSSU researchers are doing to to better understand spread, impacts and potential triggers of didymo nuisance blooms. Moerke will be joined by staff from the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to answer questions and discuss techniques to help prevent further spread.
June 27, 2022, 9:00 - 10:00 am.ET - Not in my backyard! Managing invasives with help from CISMAs
Are invasive plants taking over your landscape? Find out how you can take control. Vicki Sawicki of North Country CISMA and Elise Desjarlais of Lake to Lake CISMA will share identification tips and demonstrate treatment tricks for common invasives including garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed and several invasive shrubs. Learn the importance of monitoring, retreatment and restoring beneficial vegetation after removal and how to get additional resources from your local cooperative invasive species management areas.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
KDWP announced three jobs working with aquatic nuisance species in our Emporia, KS office. The full job announcements are on the KDWP website:
https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/Jobs/Current-KDWP-Employment-Opportunities/Permanent-Positions
Summary of positions and job duties:
ANS Biologist (F/W Bio II, Position# K0243841): The incumbent will implement and coordinate KDWP ANS education and outreach efforts. Revise, create, and disseminate signs, brochures, social media posts, in-person programs and workshops, etc. Work with other KDWP staff (fisheries, public affairs, education, etc.) to improve effectiveness of and increase reach of ANS messaging. Develop and coordinate KDWP activities related to "organisms-in-trade". Design and conduct monitoring and detection efforts for quagga mussels and other emerging species of concern as needed. Respond to public reports of new ANS locations. Assist with identifying and applying for grant or other funding opportunities associated with position responsibilities. Attend virtual and in-person meetings, planning sessions, and working groups regarding invasive species. Administer, create, and revise HACCP plans and BMPs for the division and agency relating to ANS. Complete various tasks as assigned by division director, assistant director, and immediate supervisor.
Invasive Carp Biologist (F/W Bio II, Position# K0243840): The incumbent will lead invasive carp removal, suppression, containment, and monitoring efforts in the Missouri and Arkansas River basins according to direction of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator. This includes coordinating activities with other agencies and interested entities; contacting municipalities and private landowners to secure permission for access; physical capture and disposal of invasive carp; seeking and/or developing alternatives for invasive carp disposal; and collecting and analyzing data to evaluate and improve effectiveness of efforts. Attend, and coordinate as needed, virtual and in-person meetings, planning sessions, and workshops regarding invasive carp management or related grant funding opportunities. Assist with grant applications and reports for invasive carp programs associated with the position. Perform education and outreach and respond to public concerns relating to invasive carps in the Missouri and Arkansas River basins. Complete various tasks as assigned by division director, assistant director, and immediate supervisor.
Invasive Carp Technician (Environmental Associate, Position# K0243838) The Fisheries Technician will conduct field work related to removal, suppression, containment, and monitoring of invasive carp in the Missouri and Arkansas River basins according to the direction of the Invasive Carp Biologist and the Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator. Tasks include manual removal of invasive carp utilizing nets or electrofishing equipment, observation of commercial or contracted invasive carp harvest activities, and disposal of harvested invasive carp; maintain and repair equipment used for invasive carp management such as boats, trailers, nets, and electrofishing equipment; perform education and outreach relating to invasive carps in the Missouri and Arkansas River basins; complete various tasks as assigned by division director, section chief, and immediate supervisor.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Seaplane Invasive Species Risk Analysis-Phase II
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, co-chair of the ANS Task Force, requests proposals to build upon previous studies and evaluate the risk of the seaplane pathway as a vector for AIS. This risk analysis includes two components: a risk assessment and identification of risk management actions. Phase I of the assessment is in progress to identify the range of waterbodies utilized by seaplanes, seaplane travel patterns, structural and operation risk factors related to seaplanes, and measures taken by seaplane operators to prevent the transport of AIS. Phase II of the assessment (this announcement) will conduct a risk assessment on AIS transported through the seaplane pathway and identify risk management actions to reduce the spread of AIS. Proposals are due August 3, 2022.
Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: F22AS00363
Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan
The Funding Opportunity for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife QZAP FY2022 has officially been posted. The total funding amount for projects is approximately $2,250,000.00, which is similar to last year. There has been significant change in the application process over the past two years, resulting from our transition to GrantSolutions.gov. This opportunity will be open for application through July 20, 2022. 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. Below are the steps you will need to take to access and locate the funding announcement. The funding announcement number is F22AS00373 and the full title is "FY2022 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in the Western United States". Please disseminate this opportunity to all interested parties. 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 https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=340550
RECOMMENDED READING
Declining readability of research on biological invasions over two decades
Hulme, P. E., & Mclaren-Swift, H. (2022). Declining readability of research on biological invasions over two decades. Biological Invasions, 1-10.
Applying a Health Lens in Managing Species at Risk Under Threat of Alien Invasive Species
Wade, J., & Grant, P. (2022). Applying a Health Lens in Managing Species at Risk Under Threat of Alien Invasive Species. In Wildlife Population Health (pp. 195-201). Springer, Cham.
Forecasting Suppression of Invasive Sea Lamprey in Lake Superior
Lewandoski, S. A., & Brenden, T. O. Forecasting Suppression of Invasive Sea Lamprey in Lake Superior. Journal of Applied Ecology.
Predicting invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) spread using a traditional survey and river network simulation
Larson, C. E., Bo, T., Candiotto, A., Fenoglio, S., & Doretto, A. Predicting invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) spread using a traditional survey and river network simulation. River Research and Applications.
Invasion impacts and dynamics of a European-wide introduced species
Haubrock, P. J., Ahmed, D. A., Cuthbert, R. N., Stubbington, R., Domisch, S., Marquez, J. R., ... & Haase, P. (2022). Invasion impacts and dynamics of a European‐wide introduced species. Global Change Biology.
ANS IN THE NEWS…
Inspection stations for AIS focusing on high-risk corridors, some stations to be discontinued
May 22, 2022. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) says inspection stations for aquatic invasive species are focusing on high-risk corridors this season.
More Oregon reports of snapping turtles, a threat to native species
May 21, 2022. Snapping turtles, an invasive species in Oregon, are nesting this time of year and are more likely to be encountered on land, which is an opportunity for the public to help out by reporting and possibly containing them
Invasive fish species poses threat to Hudson River ecosystem
May 20, 2022. A tiny fish recently spotted near Poughkeepsie is creating big problems, with state officials worried that it would disrupt the Hudson River ecosystem.
2022 ‘Lionfish Challenge’ underway in Florida to remove invasive species
May 20, 2022. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission annually hosts a Lionfish Challenge to encourage anglers to remove the invasive species from Florida waters by offering prizes for the most lionfish harvested.
First invasive European green crab found in Hood Canal
May 20, 2022. An invasive European green crab was captured this week in Hood Canal, the farthest south the species has been found in the Salish Sea.
Growing plant trade may spread invasive species – but help ecosystems adapt to climate change
May 19, 2022. As commerce and tourism have become globe-spanning enterprises, humans are purposely or unintentionally moving many plants or their seeds and cuttings at an unprecedented rate.
Become an expert in identifying aquatic invasive species in Minnesota
May 19, 2022. The University of Minnesota Extension education program is hoping to educate everyday Minnesotans on how to identify aquatic invasive species so environmental experts can better identify where and how the species are spreading.
Invasive Species Week: Non-native species which has to be kept under control
May 19, 2022. Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Crassula Helmsii can be a problem on our water and wastewater sites, so we want to understand more about them and how to practice biosecurity.
City of Castlegar encouraging residents to take action on invasive species
May 19, 2022. The City of Castlegar is encouraging residents to manage the invasive plants on their property in a responsible way.
Rare monkeypox case confirmed in Massachusetts
May 18, 2022. A man who recently traveled to Canada was tested for the virus Tuesday, and the infection was confirmed by the CDC on Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said in a statement.
‘Invasive species’ in Louisiana considered edible but potentially deadly to humans
May 18, 2022. The LSU AgCenter advises that if you are going to eat an apple snail, please you caution when preparing the meal.
French Creek study on freshwater mussels, invasive species receives $53K grant
May 18, 2022. A study focusing on fresh water mussels native to French Creek and the effect of invasive fish species on them has received a $50,000-plus grant from state government.
FWP says people need to protect Montana waters from invasive species
May 17, 2022. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks urges people visiting lakes, rivers and streams to check for aquatic invasive species.
East Jordan High School Students Unveil New Invasive Species Boat-Washing Sign
May 17, 2022. Through the school year, East Jordan’s biology students have been learning about the impacts aquatic invasive species have on their community, particularly in Lake Charlevoix. Throughout their research, students decided that they would apply for a grant, and once it was approved, they bought the sign and tools for boaters to learn more and wash their boats to prevent the spread of invasive species.
More Than 400 Lionfish Removed from Key Waters
May 11, 2022. There are several hundred fewer invasive lionfish wreaking havoc on Florida Keys reefs thanks to the recent efforts of four local divers.
Invasive species and climate change impact coastal estuaries
May 5, 2022. Native species in California's estuaries are expected to experience greater declines as invasive species interact with , according to a study from the University of California, Davis.
