RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces completion of the Champlain Canal Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Barrier Phase I Study
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) and the non-Federal sponsor, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) announces the completion of the Champlain Canal Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Barrier Phase 1 Study. The purpose of the Phase 1 Study was to compare the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of different management alternatives that could best prevent the spread of aquatic between the Hudson and Champlain drainages via the Champlain Canal. The study’s objectives were to examine alternatives to prevent the transfer of Aquatic Invasive Species between the Hudson River Basin and Lake Champlain Basin and recommend an alternative with a favorable cost to benefit ratio. The Phase 1 Study concluded that the Alternative 2 Physical Barrier Plan provides the most effective method for preventing the transfer of non-native aquatic invasive plant and animal species between the Lake Champlain and Hudson River Watersheds. Alternative 2 includes several measures to limit the transfer of non-native aquatic invasive plant and animal species including: a physical barrier across the canal, a large vessel lift, a vessel ramp, a cleaning station located north of the Glens Falls Feeder Canal and repairs to the existing lock seals. The estimated cost of Alternative 2 is approximately $20,000,000. FULL NEWS RELEASE.
Invasive Mussel Collaborative releases new research and control coordination tool
The Invasive Mussel Collaborative (IMC) today announced the release of a coordination tool to help protect the Great Lakes basin from the impacts of invasive mussels. The new “Dreissena Project Coordination Mapper” allows researchers and managers to share their work and collaborate with others for the advancement and protection of waterways from invasive mussels in the Great Lakes and beyond. The mapper features 120 past and current projects from across North America and new project information is being accepted on an ongoing basis. FULL NEWS RELEASE.
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 invasive species removal and how to get additional resources from your local cooperative invasive species management areas.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fish Biologist, GS- 0482-11
This position supports field and management needs associated with invasive carp in the Ohio River basin, specifically by placing a position in West Virginia within the Ohio River watershed. This position is critical to Invasive carp field and lab work assignments and expectations in the North Atlantic-Appalachian Region. Technical support in preparing for and conducting field work, completing all laboratory duties, maintaining gear, and analyzing data is paramount to the success of the Program. The position requested is recognized as a priority to support USFWS goals and objectives and the needs of our partners, specific to invasive carp. Technical support is critical to advancing prevention, early detection, rapid response, and control of aquatic invasive species in the Ohio River Basin.
Open & closing dates: May 23, 2022 to June 6, 2022
Announcement number: R5-22-11506776-CAA-SDHA
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Mississippi River Basin Panel: Request for Proposal
The purpose of this Mississippi River Basin Panel on aquatic nuisance species (MRBP) request for proposals is to develop and implement a partnership to provide administrative support to the MRBP. The targeted funding amount is up to $15,000 for one year with the potential for renewal depending on performance and funding availability. The desired initial performance period for this partnership is January 1 – December 31, 2023. We estimate that this work will require about 250 hours, which includes traveling to and attending one in-person (or remote) MRBP panel coordination meeting. Proposals must be submitted in digital format (PDF or MSWord) to MRBP@micrarivers.org by 5:00 pm (CST) on July 1, 2022. Questions concerning this RFP may be directed to Eugene Braig via email at braig.1@osu.edu. Full details can be found here: Link to RFP
RECOMMENDED READING
GLDIATR 2.0: Advancing Tools to Prevent Internet Trade of Aquatic Invasive Species
Commission, G., 2022. GLDIATR 2.0: Advancing Tools to Prevent Internet Trade of Aquatic Invasive Species, Great Lakes Commission. Retrieved from https://policycommons.net/artifacts/2440974/gldiatr-20/3462698/ on 02 Jun 2022. CID: 20.500.12592/bptwv3.
A Gap Analysis of the State of Knowledge of Great Lakes Nonindigenous Species
A Gap Analysis of the State of Knowledge of Great Lakes Nonindigenous Species.2022. Sturtevant, Rochelle;Lower, El;Boucher, Nick;Bartos, Austin;Mason, Doran;Rutherford, Ed;Martinez, Felix;Elgin, Ashley. NOAA technical memorandum GLERL ; 167;GLERL Contribution no. 1995; DOI : https://doi.org/10.25923/96kg-kj92
Words matter: a systematic review of communication in non-native aquatic species literature
CJ, Arlinghaus R, Gaddy M, Jang S, Kochalski S, Lu Y, Olden JD, Stedman R, Suski C (2022) Words matter: a systematic review of communication in non-native aquatic species literature. NeoBiota 74: 1-28. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.74.79942
Lessons From the Western Atlantic Lionfish Invasion to Inform Management in the Mediterranean
Ulman, A., F. Z. Ali, H. E. Harris, M. Adel, S. A. A. A. Mabruk, M. Bariche, A. C. Candelmo et al. "Lessons From the Western Atlantic Lionfish Invasion to Inform Management in the Mediterranean. Front." Mar. Sci 9 (2022): 865162.
Global environmental changes more frequently offset than intensify detrimental effects of biological invasions
Lopez, B. E., Allen, J. M., Dukes, J. S., Lenoir, J., Vilà, M., Blumenthal, D. M., ... & Bradley, B. A. (2022). Global environmental changes more frequently offset than intensify detrimental effects of biological invasions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(22), e2117389119.
What evidence exists on the impact of climate change on some of the worst invasive fish and shellfish? A systematic map protocol
Azra, Mohamad Nor, Mohd Iqbal Mohd Noor, Yeong Yik Sung, Elizabeth R. Lawrence, and Mazlan Abd Ghaffar. "What evidence exists on the impact of on some of the worst invasive fish and shellfish? A systematic map protocol." Environmental Evidence 11, no. 1 (2022): 1-7.
A review of volunteers' motivations to monitor and control invasive alien
Anđelković, Ana A., Lori Lawson Handley, Elizabete Marchante, Tim Adriaens, Peter MJ Brown, Elena Tricarico, and Laura NH Verbrugge. " A review of volunteers’ motivations to monitor and control invasive alien species." NeoBiota 73 (2022): 153-175.
ANS IN THE NEWS…
Invasive freshwater fish are thriving in the Ganges, aided by increasing temperatures
June 6, 2022. Regional climate model studies in the Ganges river basin predict an increase in the mean annual temperature by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius between 2010 and 2050.
Volunteers pluck invasive algae from Maunalua Bay ahead of World Oceans Day
June 5, 2022. Upwards of 30 volunteers with the group Malama Maunalua went into the water and sorted through the invasive algae to make room for native species.
FWP, Partner Agencies, Conduct More than 2,000 AIS Inspections Over Memorial Day Weekend
June 5, 2022. Inspectors intercepted 21 mussel-fouled boats bound for Montana waters or passing through the state
How Invasive Species Thrive in the Mediterranean
June 4, 2022. The number of non-native species in European seas has climbed to about 1,300 in the previous 20 years. The problem is most serious in the Mediterranean Sea, which is home to 69 percent of them, although only 10% are considered invasive.
Wildlife service to treat Poplar River for lamprey
June 4, 2022. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel will apply lampricides to the Poplar River in Douglas County tentatively starting Tuesday, June 7, in accordance with Wisconsin-issued permits.
Rising water makes Lake Michigan wetlands vulnerable to invaders
June 2, 2022. High water and ice scouring has shifted native wetlands inland and opened a door to invasive species along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coast.
Zebra mussels confirmed in Spring Lake in Scott County
June 2, 2022. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a report of zebra mussels in Spring Lake, next to the city of Prior Lake in Scott County.
How to stop spread of invasive species in NY lakes, rivers
June 1, 2022. Muskellunge season opened June 1 and bass season is on the horizon. Anglers should be checking their boats and gear to stop aquatic hitchhikers.
Why confronting invasive species is one of the best ways to prepare for climate change
June 1, 2022. New research finds that the ecological effect of invasive species alone is comparable to the combined effects of invasives plus warming temperatures, drought or nitrogen deposition. This suggests that a critical preparation for climate change is to manage invasive species at the local level.
Though Cute as Pets, Goldfish Are Highly Invasive Once in the Wild
May 31, 2022. The animal’s insatiable appetites, bold behaviors and adaptability make them harmful to new environments
Province warns of lesser-known ways invasive species can arrive in Sask
May 31, 2022. Those include live food, the release of aquarium plants and pets, the release of water garden plants and pets, unused bait and the movement of sport fish.
Invasive mussels haven’t been found in Colorado’s lakes and reservoirs. Wildlife officials are battling to keep it that way.
May 30, 2022. Colorado Parks and Wildlife inspectors target zebra and quagga mussels at dozens of sites across the state.
PlayCleanGo Awareness Week kicks off June 4-11
May 29, 2022. National campaign shares simple steps outdoor recreationists can take to stop the spread of invasive species.
Sonic workers flee from large snake found behind fryer
May 29, 2022. Workers cooking burgers and tater tots in a Sonic fast-food kitchen fled after discovering an intruder hiding behind the deep fryer.
Invasive mystery snails found in Hot Springs Village Lakes
May 28, 2022. In April, a report of invasive snails in Lake Granada and Lake Estrella was made, and on May 25, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have confirmed invasive snail species, according to a news release.
Throwing Goldfish in Rivers May Result to Ecological Disaster, Experts Warn Pet Owners
May 28, 2022. If that lockdown goldfish is starting to lose its luster, think carefully before tossing it in the river or canal - the critters may appear harmless. Still, their ravenous appetites, cold tolerance, and go-getter attitudes may be disastrous for local fauna compared to native species.
Officials find invasive snails in Hot Springs Village lakes
May 26, 2022. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has found an invasive species of snail in two lakes in Hot Springs Village.
Non-motorized watercraft can spread invasive species into Lake Tahoe
May 26, 2022. Inspections are required for powerboats, here is what is different about kayaks, paddleboards or electric surfboard.
Spears and other tactics curb lionfish invasion
May 26, 2022. A team of scientists hopes to apply lessons learned from managing lionfish in the western Atlantic to the Mediterranean invasion. Reviewing previous lionfish research and management approaches, the researchers identified six strategies to implement and two to avoid when tackling a lionfish invasion.
Invasive snails found in Hot Springs Village lakes
May 25, 2022. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has confirmed the presence of an invasive species of snail in Lake Granada and Lake Estrella within Hot Springs Village after following up on a report of the species in April.
Shiny but deadly – don’t throw goldfish in rivers, pet owners told
May 25, 2022. f that lockdown goldfish is starting to lose its lustre, think twice before throwing it in the river or canal – the creatures may look innocent but their voracious appetite, tolerance for cold and have-a-go habits compared with native species can be catastrophic for local wildlife.
Maryland agency offering gift card bounties for invasive snakeheads in Chesapeake Bay
May 25, 2022. Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering up to $200 for tagged northern snakeheads found in the Chesapeake Bay or in the Blackwater River on the Eastern Shore.
UF scientists address where climate change and invasive species meet
May 25, 2022. Two things Floridians know something about are heat, along with invasive animals and plants. A group of experts based out of the University of Florida are trying to address them both in a comprehensive manner, through the Southeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network.
'They'll eat everything': Newfoundland fishermen say 'aggressive' invasive green crab leaving 'mass grave of shellfish' in their path
May 24, 2022. Like most invasive species, the presence of green crab inherently disrupts the natural balance of their host ecosystem. However, green crab exhibit a more aggressive behaviour than some of the other aquatic invasive species found around the island
Call to curb invasive species on Connecticut River
May 24, 2022. All river enthusiasts should act as though every waterbody harbors problem species. Rely on the precautionary principle, be safe not sorry and with that said, it is not hard to protect the river. Just Check, Clean, or Dry.
Officials in the north worry destructive invasive species will emerge this summer
May 24, 2022. The tall, robust grass known as phragmites can destroy natural habitats and have a financial impact on northern cottagers.
The blood-hungry parasite that threatens big fish and business in the Great Lakes
May 24, 2022. More than a century after they arrived, invasive sea lampreys still threaten the Great Lakes’ $7 billion fishing economy.
New approach using species traits could be critical for conservation efforts
May 22, 2022. Green and her team at the University of Alberta, along with collaborators from Stanford University, identified nearly 3,000 traits from a variety of species that “can be used to predict which species will win and lose as ecosystems continue to be affected on our increasingly changing planet.”
