RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS
2022 Florida Python Challenge®!
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that registration for the 2022 Florida Python Challenge® has opened and the annual 10-day event will be held August 5-14, 2022. Members of the public are now able to take the required online training and register to compete to win thousands of dollars in prizes while removing invasive Burmese pythons from the wild. The competition is open to both professional and novice participants. flpythonchallenge.org
UPCOMING MEETINGS
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NAISMA Monthly Webinars:
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
Invasive Species Centre
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 - 11 A.M. EST - Investigating starry stonewort as an ecosystem engineer and forecasting the future invasion potential in Ontario lakes.
Starry stonewort is a non-native charophyte species that has started to take hold in Ontario lakes. This session summarizes current knowledge surrounding the aquatic food web and ecosystem-level impacts associated with starry stonewort invasion. Attendees will learn how to identify habitat that is favourable for starry stonewort invasion, as well as learn how to differentiate starry stonewort from vulnerable aquatic plants and macroalgae native to Ontario.
NotMISpecies Webinar Series:
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
USGS Fellowship on Climate Change and Invasive Species Research Prioritization
The RISCC Management network, in collaboration with the National Invasive Species Council, is seeking a Fellow to conduct research at the intersection of climate science and invasive species management to contribute to prioritizing management action in the face of global change across the U.S. As a member of the RISCC network, the Fellow will collaborate in stakeholder-driven research and engage in actionable science and science communication that serves the network. The Fellow will be mentored by Toni Lyn Morelli, a Research Ecologist with the NE CASC (necasc.umass.edu). Dr. Morelli helped found the RISCC network in 2016 and continues to act as co-lead of the Northeast RISCC Management network. She also coordinates across the expanded network and holds leadership roles in 4 of the 5 regional RISCCs (Pacific, Northwest, North Central, and Northeast). More at https://necasc.umass.edu/people/toni-lyn-morelli. Application Deadline8/1/2022 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone. FULL ANNOUCEMENT.
University of Washington - Postdoctoral Scholar: Evaluating responses of estuarine fauna to stressors, including invasive European green crab, using a regional citizen science data set
In Washington State, the recent range expansion and rapid population growth of European green crab (Carcinus maenas) triggered the declaration of a statewide emergency by Governor Inslee. Since 2014, Washington Sea Grant has been proactively supporting green crab management in the state through Crab Team (https://wsg.uw.edu/crabteam), established as a volunteer-based early detection program. Crab Team also conducts collaborative research on green crabs and provides scientific interpretation and expertise to partners engaged in control, including tribes, state, and federal agency partners, shellfish growers and other entities. The postdoctoral scholar will participate as an active member of Crab Team in supporting management efforts by addressing data analytical and communications needs. Drawing on datasets from Crab Team monitoring, partner removal efforts, and the literature, analyses will serve management goals including population modeling, seasonal, and geographic distributions, impact predictions and assessments, and estimating functional eradication targets. This includes the opportunity to work with a state-wide ecological monitoring dataset generated by the 65-site early detection and monitoring sites, which extends up to 7 years for some sites. FULL ANNOUCEMENT.
Utah Department of Natural Resources
Job Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Biologist - SERO
Job Description: This person is the Southeastern and Central regional expert in Aquatic Invasive Species. They will conduct early detection monitoring within an assigned region, in accordance with UDWR’s Emergency Quagga Mussel Action Plan, in order to detect any new quagga/zebra mussel occurrences, or monitor the extent of current infestations. The incumbent will also be responsible for conducting aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspections of all hatcheries, fish trap/spawning sites, and wild fish transfer sources within the assigned region, to ensure AIS are not transmitted through fish stocking activities. Develop and implement regional aquatic invasive species outreach and survey strategies in coordination with SLO, and regional aquatics and law enforcement sections. Incumbent will summarize findings annually and distribute and disseminate information as needed to help manage AIS and inform statewide funding distribution. Other AIS surveys and projects to reduce or eliminate AIS will be conducted when resources allow. The incumbent will work with and supervise the activities of up to three seasonal Wildlife Technicians assigned to the project, including coordination with Law Enforcement (Conservation & Parks officers), other UDWR biologists, other agencies and NGO’s, and volunteers. Closing 6/22/2022 11:59 PM Mountain. FULL ANNOUCEMENT
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
County of Lake Water Resources Department
Development of an Invasive Mussel Introduction Rapid Response and Containment Transition Plan for Clear Lake, CA. The County of Lake Water Resources Department, which is also known as the Lake County Watershed Protection District [herein referred to “The District” where appropriate] is soliciting individuals or firms (the “Consultant”) qualified to provide design and development of an Invasive Mussel Introduction Rapid Response and Containment Transition Plan for Clear Lake, Lake County, CA, (the “Project”). The overall goal for the Project is to improve the current prevention program while simultaneously preparing for an invasive quagga or zebra mussed (herein to referred to as “QZ”) introduction into Clear Lake, or Lake County, so that a containment strategy can be incorporated as quickly and efficiently as possible to reduce local impacts and to costeffectively prevent spread within the northern California region and other uninfested Western water bodies. Close Date and Time: July 1, 2022 03:00 PM
The Mississippi River Basin Panel (MRBP) on Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)
MRBP requests for proposals to provide administrative support for MRBP operations during 2023. The MRBP is one of six regional advisory panels to the national ANS Task Force. The MRBP consists of representatives from state and federal agencies, academic institutions, private industry, and nonprofit organizations that all have an interest in preventing and managing the undesirable impacts of ANS. Sufficient administrative support is key to the successful functioning of the MRBP, and the needs of the panel have outgrown the current in-kind support that the MRBP host and member organizations can provide. Additional administrative support is needed in order for the MRBP to continue to effectively carry out its mission. Applications should be submitted to mrbp@micrarivers.org by 5:00 pm (CST) on July 1, 2022. Questions can be directed to Eugene Braig, MRBP co-chair, at 614-292-3823 or braig.1@osu.edu, or to Greg Conover, MRBP coordinator, at 618-889-9600 or greg_conover@fws.gov.
RECOMMENDED READING
Teaching invasive species ethically: using comics to resist metaphors of moral wrongdoing & build literacy in environmental ethics
Maggiulli, K. (2022). Teaching invasive species ethically: using comics to resist metaphors of moral wrongdoing & build literacy in environmental ethics. Environmental Education Research, 1-19.
Evaluation of Fish Assemblage Composition and the Expansion of an Invasive Species F e Species Following Dam Remo ollowing Dam Removal and Upgr al and Upgraded Fish aded Fish Passage in the Penobscot River, Maine
Whittum, Kory A., "Evaluation of Fish Assemblage Composition and the Expansion of an Invasive Species Following Dam Removal and Upgraded Fish Passage in the Penobscot River, Maine" (2022). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3600. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/3600
Whole community invasions and the integration of novel ecosystems
Campbell, C., Russo, L., Albert, R., Buckling, A., & Shea, K. (2022). Whole community invasions and the integration of novel ecosystems. PLOS Computational Biology, 18(6), e1010151.
Coastal Countercurrents Increase Propagule Pressure of an Aquatic Invasive Species to an Area Where Previous Introductions Failed
Encarnação, J., Krug, L. A., Teodósio, M. A., & Morais, P. (2022). Coastal Countercurrents Increase Propagule Pressure of an Aquatic Invasive Species to an Area Where Previous Introductions Failed. Estuaries and Coasts, 1-15.
ANS IN THE NEWS…
Different Invasive Species Require Different Approaches
June 20, 2022. Understanding the different scales of the issues we face is an important first step. Problems of different scales require different solutions–you wouldn’t want to try and fill a bathtub with an eye-dropper.
New Hampshire distillery makes whiskey from invasive crab species
June 20, 2022. A distillery in New Hampshire follows that tradition by making use of an invasive species - tiny, green crabs.
After Manistee River infestation, scientists try to unravel the mystery of ‘rock snot’
June 19, 2022. Snotty-looking globs of invasive algae mats found in the Manistee River alarmed freshwater scientists and state environmental authorities who are now trying to figure out to what degree “rock snot” algae remain an ecological threat to Michigan rivers.
How do 'hitchhiking' marine species survive the ride?
June 19, 2022. A new study from Tel Aviv University (TAU) on this subject has just been published included a first-of-its-kind experiment simulating the changing environmental conditions encountered en route by marine animals clinging to the bottom of container ships.
Bring back wolves, lynxes to Britain and Ireland, study urges
June 17, 2022. Restoring native predator populations could help to keep in check some of the most problematic invasive species around the world, the new study said.
‘Fish geeks’ battle invasive species
June 17, 2022. The process of removing the invasive species has cost tens of millions, while labor-intensive methods have evolved. As the park makes headway mitigating the effects of lake trout, two more species have recently caused concern in the fight to protect Yellowstone Cutthroat trout.
Take the pledge to prevent aquatic invasive species spread
June 16, 2022. Anyone 18 or older can go to the new Pledge to Protect Minnesota Waters page of the DNR website to take the pledge and upload a photo, if desired. The pledge affirms that participants will follow Minnesota's "Clean, Drain, Dispose" laws and will encourage others to do so.
Jewel of the Great Lakes: Group battles invasive species
June 16, 2022. Despite mitigation efforts, invasive species such as European frog-bit, narrow-leaf cattail, and zebra mussels continue to spread from location to location while disrupting the wildlife near their spread.
Ithaca conservationists warn of invasive species: 'Nature is not natural anymore'
June 15, 2022. James Hamilton first became active in protecting the environment more than 20 years ago, when possible lead contamination from a shooting range in the Town of Ithaca was causing concern about the water quality of Six Mile Creek.
Gone fishing? Biologists share how anglers can support healthy native fish populations
June 15, 2022. Late spring heralds the start of open water fishing season. In much of the country, even the most stubborn winter ice has long since receded. Cold water species like trout rise to the surface to feed on the insects that swarm in thick clouds. Warm water species like bass lurk in the weeds at the pond’s edge.
APA seeks public comments on invasive species management changes
June 15, 2022. The state Department of Environmental Conservation seeks more flexibility in managing invasive species on state land, prompting the Adirondack Park Agency to ask the public for comments on potential changes.
Marine patrol officers remind boaters to be aware of divers removing aquatic invasive species
June 15, 2022. As New York ramps up efforts remove aquatic invasive species from bodies of water, including the Eurasian Watermilfoil, marine patrol officers are reminding boaters to be aware of divers at work.
Invasive Blood-Sucking Lampreys Are About To Spawn in Great Lakes
June 15, 2022. Sea lampreys, worm-like fish with horrifying teeth, are entering their spawning season in the Great Lakes, and thanks to COVID, might emerge in larger numbers than usual.
Let’s talk about Michigan’s invasive aquatic plants: How to identify them and the dangers they pose
June 14, 2022. There are 21 invasive aquatic plants Michigan officials want residents to be aware of.
There are new tools to fight invasive species in the ADKs, but herbicides are temporarily blocked on Lake George
June 13, 2022. New York State has new tools to fight the spread of invasive species in the Adirondacks. The Adirondack Park Agency approved new measures at its meeting last week. Meanwhile, a court has temporarily blocked the use of an herbicide to fight an invasive species on Lake George.
Fish Leather: Sustainable Leather Made from Invasive Species May Become the Next Big Thing
June 13, 2022. Fish leather is now a thing, and it's both sustainable and created from invasive species. When a passionate diver witnessed how lionfish decimated native tropical fish species in Florida, he decided to assist.
NY Invasive Species Week Ends! This Fish Still Needs to Be Killed
June 12, 2022. New York's Invasive Species Awareness Week concludes today but that doesn't mean they have stopped invading. We need to take this knowledge forward while we are fishing, hiking or boating and stop the spread of these bugs, fish and plants.
South American Invaders Trying To Gain Foothold In Everglades - National Parks Traveler
June 12, 2022. For the past year, the National Parks Traveler writers and editors have been chronicling problems across the National Park System with invasive animal, plant, fish, and even insect species. Our last stop was in April in Everglades National Park, arguably the park system's poster child for invaders.
Reptiles dying off faster than previously feared, scientists warn
June 11, 2022. Reptiles are being wiped out faster than previously feared, warns new research. At least a fifth face imminent extinction, and the figure could be much higher, say scientists.
Terrifying ‘Snake-Like’ Worms Are Taking Over Connecticut
June 11, 2022. Invasive “snake-like” jumping worms that are creepily “good at climbing” and “can whip violently” are spreading in Connecticut—and the entire forest ecosystem is now under threat, scientists say.
Fresh and Saltwater Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Workshop Set for June 29
June 9, 2022. The workshop is hosted by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Southern California Sea Grant, and Paua Marine Research Group.
Invasive Carp Eye the Great Lakes
June 9, 2022. That terror is the invasive carp. These fish are now considered the “poster child” for invasive species because of the devastating effects they pose for the ecosystems they inhabit.
Dept. of Environmental Conservation counteracting aquatic invasive species this summer
June 8, 2022. Clean, drain and dry; that’s the motto of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) this summer as they attempt to limit the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Two highly invasive green crabs found on the Sunshine Coast in May
June 8, 2022. Two new captures of European green crabs, an invasive species for B.C.’s coastal waters, were recorded by the Loon Foundation in May 2022.
Invasive Northern crayfish already spreading to Bear Creek, Rogue River
June 7, 2022. The invasive Northern crayfish was reported for the first time in Oregon last month, in an Ashland waterway that eventually flows into the Rogue River.
Asian Carp Name Change Coming Soon, Will the Public Bite?
June 1, 2022. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has recruited Chicago chef Brian Jupiter and journalist Steve Dolinsky to help unveil the new alias, which is expected to be used nationally.
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.
