RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Register today for the AIS in Commerce virtual summit July 25

July 25, 2023, 11am-2pm Pacific Time. This 3-hour summit identified gaps and issues and set the stage to develop strategies and actions to minimize risks posed by aquatic plants and pets in commerce. Expert presenters and panelists shared information on ecommerce, monitoring and inspection, labeling and recordkeeping, regulations and enforcement, voluntary industry standards, and outreach associated with plants and animals in trade. The summit  concluded with the launch of seven work groups to collaboratively develop actionable items to minimize the spread of 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 in commerce. Link to register for summit:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8698148957640258909

North American Invasive Species Association

NAISMA’s 5th annual PlayCleanGo Awareness Week: June 3rd-10th. Don’t forget to mark your calendars and make a plan to get involved! You can find a free PlayCleanGo Awareness week toolkit to share with your network. Our goal is to reach over 500,000 with this year's campaign. To do this we are partnering with USDA APHIS, Hungry Pests, Don’t Move Firewood, and YOU to expand the campaign's reach. Let everyone know how recreation and invasive species prevention go hand in hand!

ICAIS returns to North America in May 2024 – Call for Abstracts announced

The International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS) addresses emerging freshwater, marine and estuarine AIS issues by involving scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and industry professionals in the presentation of research, and opportunities for collaboration on research and management projects.  From May 12-16, 2024, ICAIS returns to North America and will be in Halifax, Nova Scotia - a major Canadian research centre, with an expertise in ocean science and ocean technology.

The conference theme is “Meeting challenges with innovation” and the call for abstracts, special sessions, and workshops was issued on May 3, 2023. The abstract submission portal will be open from June 2nd – Sept 18th, 2023. The technical program will deliver the best research on emerging invasive species issues and solutions for freshwater, marine and estuarine environments and includes many topics that are top of mind for the sector. There will be keynote plenary presentations by a diverse group of leading international scientists and practitioners, including a talk from the honourary chair, Dr. Hugh MacIssac, Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Invasive Species, University of Windsor.

ICAIS 2024 will also include increased networking in both structured sessions and relaxed social events. There will also be career development and networking opportunities, and a poster session specific to students and early career professionals. There will be virtual components but plan to attend in-person for the full experience. We encourage you to submit an abstract and attend and let us know if your organization would like to participate as a financial partner. For all information go to www.icais.org.

Wild Spotter Invasive Species Ambassador Training Course

This intensive training will include building relationships, partnerships and engaging stakeholders; branding and marketing programs; using innovative tools and technologies; and volunteer citizen-science coordination, recruitment, and retention to meet invasive species management goals and expand local community capacity for action. This gathering will have limited attendance through a merit selection process.  Please apply at https://invasivesfree.org.  Priority will be given to participants who can demonstrate their commitment to building invasive species management capacity within their community.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPCOMING WEBINARS

North American Invasive Species Association Webinars

June 21, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT; Advancing International Invasive Species Prevention Efforts and Developing a Model Legal Framework for Noxious Weed Programs

The Certified Weed Free Products (WFP) Program is the only program in North America that provides land managers with assurance that noxious weeds will not be spread through the movement of forage, hay, mulch, or gravel. Through this grant, NAISMA will be developing numerous tools focused on the legal authority for noxious weed management, establishing strong relationships with governments and industries, and providing education and outreach for the public. In this webinar, NAISMA team will provide a brief overview of their prevention programs, along with the grant objectives and deliverables. In addition, NAISMA has partnered with the National Sea Grant Law Center (NSGLC) to create a model legal framework for noxious weed programs focused on pathway prevention through certified weed free forage, gravel, and mulch. Experts from NSGLC will participate in the webinar to provide an overview of their approach and opportunities for collaboration.

NC RISCC spring 2023 webinar series

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:

AIS in Commerce July Summit

Tue, Jul 25, 2023 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT: Registration (gotowebinar.com)

This 3-hour summit will review the action plan developed by seven international work groups to minimize risks posed by aquatic plants and pets in commerce. Expert presenters and panelists will share information on e-commerce, monitoring and inspection, labeling and recordkeeping, regulations and enforcement, voluntary industry standards, and outreach associated with plants and animals in trade.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Yakama Nation Fisheries

The Predation and Invasive Species Biologist will oversee the development and implementation of projects to reduce the impact of predation on juvenile salmonids by 1) avian predators and 2) piscine predators and invasive species removal. Projects will focus on key locations in the Columbia River and tributaries within Yakama Nation territories. Responsibilities include avian dissuasion and depredation, and fish removal via electrofishing, beach seining, or other methods. This position will also be responsible for the development and implementation of research, monitoring & evaluation of predatory and invasive species, the incumbent will develop proposals, grant applications and seek funding opportunities. The Predation and Invasive species biologist will participate in regional predation forums, committees and collaborate with ongoing projects. The incumbent will develop annual work plans, annual budgets, data analysis and timely reporting on projects, and permits. The incumbent will provide daily supervision of technical staff. Writes quarterly and annual reports to fulfill contract obligations. Coordinate implementation with State, Federal and Tribal biologists as needed. FULL ANNOUCEMENT.

Canadian Council on Invasive Species

National Supervisor, Youth Engagement: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced National Supervisor, Youth Engagement to join our team. As National Supervisor you are passionate about empowering youth and are responsible for building a Youth Volunteer Network across Canada. You will oversee all aspects of building the Network including supervision of Youth Engagement Coordinators across Canada in varying provinces and territories who will directly engage and empower youth and young adults (predominantly ages between 15-30) to volunteer and make a difference in their local community to create healthier landscapes, free of invasive species. Closing date for applications is June 9th 2023, 5 pm EST.

Youth Engagement Coordinator: As Youth Engagement Coordinator, you are passionate about empowering youth. You work with youth locally and virtually to encourage, inspire, and support them to lead projects to address invasive species and other environmental issues in their communities. While your focus will involve youth in your province, you will connect with other Youth Engagement Coordinators in other provinces to foster a strong youth network at a national level. You will be responsible for recruiting youth and young adults (predominantly ages between 15-30) to volunteer and make a difference in their local community to create healthier landscapes, free of invasive species. Your role will involve coordinating and delivering capacity-building opportunities for volunteers, as well as facilitating networking and knowledge exchange opportunities. Closing date for applications is June 1st 2023, 5 pm EST.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Island Invasive Species Strike Team Biologist (FWS, GS-0401/11-12):  This new permanent position will be part of our Regional cross-programmatic invasive species team supporting our stations and partners with a focus on increasing biosecurity efforts, conducting early detection surveys and eradication efforts, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of management actions on islands administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  The position will be a Regional Office employee and stationed with the Alaska Maritime NWR in Homer, Alaska. Closing date:  June 1, 2023.  

Vacancy Announcement:  https://www.usajobs.gov/job/726390500 

Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist (Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant)

The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species Senior Specialist to develop and conduct basic and applied research with an emphasis on the scientific outreach for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). This position will be based out of the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois. 

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.  Closing date:  June 4, 2023. 

More information:  https://iiseagrant.org/hiring-aquatic-invasive-species-specialist/ Vacancy Announcement:  https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/5276?c=illinois 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

None this week.

RECOMMENDED READING

When are environmental DNA early detections of invasive species actionable?

Sepulveda, A. J., Dumoulin, C. E., Blanchette, D. L., McPhedran, J., Holme, C., Whalen, N., ... & Smith, D. R. (2023). When are environmental DNA early detections of invasive species actionable?. Journal of Environmental Management, 343, 118216.

Invasive alien species of policy concerns show widespread patterns of invasion and potential pressure across European ecosystems

Polce, C., Cardoso, A. C., Deriu, I., Gervasini, E., Tsiamis, K., Vigiak, O., ... & Maes, J. (2023). Invasive alien species of policy concerns show widespread patterns of invasion and potential pressure across European ecosystems. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 8124.

ANS IN THE NEWS

Want to combat an invasive species in Ontario? There's funding for that

May. 28, 2023. When it comes to the introduction of invasive species, Ontario is one of the highest-risk provinces in Canada. That's according to the Invasive Species Centre, which provides grants to help prevent and control their spread.

'Harvest lionfish, win prizes:' Florida's Lionfish Challenge is on for amateurs and pros

May. 28, 2023. "Here fishy, fishy," Florida commercial and recreational fishermen and divers will soon say because the Lionfish Challenge starts June 1.

A deep dive into Kansas’ most invasive species

May. 27, 2023. Sister station KSNT spoke with wildlife experts about the impact of the notorious and widespread zebra mussel infestation and what’s being done to stop their growth.

How can we shift public perception of Invasive Alien Species? A collaborative conference with experiences from the Euro-Mediterranean region

May. 27, 2023. A total of 126 invasive alien species (IAS) and another 89 species posing a serious threat to freshwater and estuarine ecosystems have been recorded by the Life Invasaqua project in Spain and Portugal.

Holy Carp! Oklahoma Angler Reels in Huge ‘Nuisance’ Bighead Weighing 118 Pounds for State Record

May 23, 2023. A call to anglers for help controlling a nuisance bighead carp population led to one experienced fishing guide’s reeling in a state record fish, with a hefty specimen weighing in at 118 pounds, 3 ounces.

Navy Partners with State and Federal Agencies to Stop Invasive Species

May 23, 2023. Navy subject matter experts are working with state and federal agencies to address a previously unknown aquatic species that is a threat to the local maritime ecosystem. This aquatic species is known as Unomia stolonifera; it is an octocoral.

Invasive species: Popular aquarium sunfish found in NH waters

May 22, 2023. The state’s Fish and Game Department has identified the presence of a popular aquarium fish in the Piscataquog River and Waukewan Lake.

Exotic pet surrender event aims to curb invasive species spread

May 22, 2023. On Saturday, June 4, from noon to 3 p.m., the Welty Environmental Center in Beloit will serve as the drop-off point for surrendering exotic animals. Accepted animals include fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals and plants.

New tool to fight invasive species in Schroon Lake

May 22, 2023. It’s called a CD3 cleaning system, which stands for: Clean, drain, dry and dispose. The mobile kiosk has a suite of free, self-service resources to do it.

Downstate Public Ponds to be Treated for Invasive Aquatic Weed Hydrilla

May 22, 2023. With inland water temperatures rising and aquatic plants emerging, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will begin treating certain downstate public ponds for the foreign invasive aquatic weed hydrilla starting May 29, weather permitting.

Anglers warned to watch out for 'invasive' foreign carp

May 21, 2023. Anglers are being warned to keep their eyes out for invasive foreign fish. Prussian carp, a species native to Asia, central and Eastern Europe has recently been detected in UK waters.

CPW continues fight against aquatic nuisance species in Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs

May 20, 2023. Fewer boats requiring decontamination due to fouling by destructive species entered Colorado in 2022 compared to previous years with nearly 500,000 inspections performed.

Seaweed firm aims to turn invasive species into food, nutraceuticals

May 19, 2023. Whiore Enterprises and four other companies will be attending the world's largest trade show in Norway this August, as a part of the Hatch Launchpad programme aimed at accelerating their growth in global aquaculture.

Anglers asked to kill and report invasive pink salmon

May 19, 2023. Anglers have been asked to humanely kill an invasive species of salmon they might catch in Scottish rivers.

Rubio Reintroduces Legislation to Prevent Importation of Invasive Species

May 16, 2023.  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Lacey Act Amendments of 2023 to address oversights in existing legal authority to prevent the importation of potentially-invasive species.

Invasive plant species clogging up Hancock County waterways

May 16, 2023. The common name is Floating Primrose, and it’s clogging up waterways and taking over the ecosystem for those who live, fish and work in these areas.