RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS
North American Invasive Species Management Association
In 2022, NAISMA is searching for five new board members to serve a three-year term. NAISMA is seeking a variety of backgrounds, locations, expertise, and skillsets along with a mix of experts by taxa in management (e.g., terrestrial weeds, animals, tree pests, and aquatic invasive species), location (ideally a healthy mix from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). NAISMA is also interested in recruiting some new board members with expertise in law, finance/accounting, conservation, and communications who have an interest in natural resource issues. We are an international 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on providing support, resources, and materials to invasive species managers, professionals, and practitioners across North America. MORE INFORMATION.
European Green Crab Update:
B.A.S.S. & Wildlife Forever Sign National Agreement to Fight Invasive Species
Wildlife Forever is proud to announce B.A.S.S., the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, as the newest partner of the national Clean Drain Dry Initiative. A recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will raise awareness, educate anglers, and implement best practices to prevent invasive species. Through the Clean Drain Dry Initiative, B.A.S.S. members and pro anglers will have access to communication tools, educational content, and the opportunity to join the national public awareness campaign. FULL ANNOUCEMENT.
Watercraft inspection/decontamination Trainings:
The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is hosting multiple trainings, both online and in-person for Fall 2022.
Level 1 training gives a thorough overview of the species of concern and problems they cause, and includes information on outreach and education programs, basic mussel biology, distribution, transport vectors, mussel impacts and focuses on how to inspect for and decontaminate trailered watercraft suspected of having zebra or quagga mussels on-board
Level 2 Inspector and Decontamination Training is designed for those individuals who are currently or will soon become active in setting-up or implementing watercraft inspection and decontamination programs for their respective agencies, organizations or businesses.
Level 3 is designed to certify trainers to teach individuals to be Level 1 or Level 2 watercraft inspectors and decontaminators. The Level 3 course is most appropriate for local, state, or federal AIS Coordinators, WID station supervisors, and concessionaires.
Please contact “Quagga D” Davis for more information: quaggadee@cox.net
UPCOMING MEETINGS
- Mississippi River Basin Regional Panel Meeting
September 13-15, 2022; Tiptonville, TN - Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
September 18-21, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas - Western Regional Panel Annual Meeting
September 21-23, 2022;Anchorage, AK - Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference 2022
October 25-27, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin. - North American Invasive Species Management Association Conference
November 7-10, 2022; Fort Myers, Florida - Great Lakes Regional Panel Fall Meeting
November 1-3, 2022; Location TBD - Northeast ANS Regional Panel Fall Meeting
November 29 – 30, 2022; Concord, New Hampshire - Gulf and South Atlantic Regional Panel Fall Meeting
November 30 – December 1, 2022; Location TBD - Mid-Atlantic Regional Panel Meeting
December 14-15, 2022; Location TBD
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NAISMA Monthly Webinars:
September 20, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT - Utilizing Fire and Grazing as part of an Integrated Prairie Management Program
The health and resilience of prairies relies upon plant/animal diversity and heterogeneous habitat that supports that diversity. The Nature Conservancy has been long experimenting with combinations of prescribed fire and cattle grazing that provide varied habitat structure and support high plant diversity at its Platte River Prairies in Nebraska. Our treatments include grazing stocking rates that are comparable with those used by our agricultural neighbors….
October 19, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT - Invasive plant management on non-industrial forest lands in the Panhandle, Fl after Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Michael had catastrophic socio-ecological impacts on landowners and forestlands in the Panhandle, Florida. Although scientists predict an increase in the spread of invasive species after ecological disturbances, there is limited research about the human dimensions of hurricanes, invasive plants, and forest management.
Virtual Island Biosecurity Workshop
December 6 & 7, 2022; 1pm to 5pm PST
Connect with colleagues around the world to learn and share your island biosecurity knowledge! We welcome presentations on all aspects of invasive species prevention, detection, and response. Click HERE to register.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
None this week.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program
Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is now accepting proposals for the 2022 funding cycle, with an anticipated $3.6 million available to applicants. The program – a joint effort of the Michigan departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development – is part of a statewide initiative launched in 2014 to help prevent, detect and control invasive species in Michigan. The 2022 grant program handbook outlines program priorities and application guidelines. Applicants also can take advantage of a webinar Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 9 a.m., to learn more about general grant information, the application process and 2022 priorities. Local, state, federal and tribal units of government, nonprofit organizations and universities may apply for funding to support invasive species projects in Michigan. Full project proposals are due Nov.1. Award announcement is anticipated in March 2023. Full Announcement.
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, on behalf of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, is soliciting proposals for interagency agreement funding to support response to the ongoing European green crab emergency. Please visit https://rco.wa.gov/about-us/employment-and-contracts/ for more information about the available funding for public agencies. (rolling deadline until funds fully allocated)
RECOMMENDED READING
Genomic data is missing for many highly invasive species, restricting our preparedness for escalating incursion rates
Matheson, P., & McGaughran, A. (2022). Genomic data is missing for many highly invasive species, restricting our preparedness for escalating incursion rates. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 1-8.
An initial assessment of plankton tow detection probabilities for dreissenid mussels in the western United States
Winder, M., Sepulveda, A. J., & Hoegh, A. (2022). An initial assessment of plankton tow detection probabilities for dreissenid mussels in the western United States. Management of Biological Invasions, 13.
Fishing for fish environmental DNA: Ecological applications, methodological considerations, surveying designs, and ways forward
Yao, M., Zhang, S., Lu, Q., Chen, X., Zhang, S. Y., Kong, Y., & Zhao, J. (2022). Fishing for fish environmental DNA (eDNA): ecological applications, methodological considerations, surveying designs, and ways forward. Molecular Ecology.
The EICAT+ framework enables classification of positive impacts of alien taxa on native biodiversity
Vimercati G, Probert AF, Volery L, Bernardo-Madrid R, Bertolino S, Céspedes V, et al. (2022) The EICAT+ framework enables classification of positive impacts of alien taxa on native biodiversity. PLoS Biol 20(8): e3001729. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001729
Integrating invasive species risk assessment into environmental DNA metabarcoding reference libraries
Mahon, A. R., Grey, E. K., & Jerde, C. L. Integrating invasive species risk assessment into environmental DNA metabarcoding reference libraries. Ecological Applications, e2730.
ANS IN THE NEWS…
Killing Invasive Species Is Now a Competitive Sport
September 5, 2022. In the Panhandle, where swarms of lionfish gobble up native species, a tournament offers cash prizes to divers skilled at spearing one predator after another
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife warns invasive species found in 20 Oklahoma lakes
September 5, 2022. ODWC says Oklahomans can stop the spread of the species by cleaning, draining, and drying boats and other watercraft after removing them from the water.
Giant invasive pythons run rampant in Florida and wreak havoc on native species — but python hunters are here to help
September 3, 2022. A study published in 2012 linked sharp declines in multiple native species to the snakes. Researchers found populations of raccoons, opossums, and bobcats had dropped 99.3, 98.9, and 87.5% respectively since 1997.
An invasive species may be playing a role in the summer's high crab prices
September 2, 2022. The invasive species in question is the blue catfish, a species so large it has become known as the "River Monster of the Potomac " and other major Chesapeake Bay tributaries. The catfish's diet includes native Blue Crabs. A November 2021 study from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science reports the catfish consumed as many as 2.3 million crabs per year from a study area in the lower James River.
China's struggle against released invasive species
August 31, 2022. China’s Henan province expressed their concern after a strange species of fish was reportedly discovered at the Central Park of Ruzhou. The striking fish was later identified as alligator gar, a high-risk invasive species, alien to the region.
Lake Walter E. Long “Fully Infested” with Zebra Mussels
August 31, 2022. Walter E. Long had already received a “positive” designation following the repeated detection of zebra mussel larvae in October 2018 and May 2019.
Millions spent to keep invasive fish out of the Great Lakes, but who is protecting the Mississippi River?
August 30, 2022. Federal and state agencies spend millions of dollars every year to keep destructive invasive carp out of the Great Lakes. Meanwhile, at least 25 destructive species — like water fleas and bloody red shrimp — are inching closer to the Mississippi River Basin.
This Popular U.S. National Park Is Being Threatened by Dangerous Invasive Species
August 30, 2022. Nationwide, approximately 2.6 million acres of park lands are "affected by invasive plant species," according to the NPS. At Acadia National Park in Maine, it's estimated that almost one-third of the park's plant species are non-native, and roughly 25 are "highly invasive."
Can invasive species ever be ‘good’?
August 29, 2022. A new scoring system looks at the pros—and cons—of introduced wildlife to consider if they should be removed.
Invasive Chinese Softshell Turtles Found in the Philippines, Biodiversity Experts Starting to Worry
August 29, 2022. An invasive animal from China has been discovered in the Philippines. More invasive Chinese softshell turtles have been found in the country.
Burmese Pythons are destroying Florida’s ecosystem. These snake-hunting veterans are fighting back.
August 29, 2022. The Swamp Apes - an association of python hunters founded 15 years ago - disappear deep into the Florida Everglades each night.
Oregon angler has caught more than 1,000 different species of fish
August 28, 2022. Ovgard says that because he can focus on lesser-known species, he’s able to share data with biologists and researchers — data like migration and feeding patterns, invasive species monitoring, and even new populations of fish.
Invasive green crab species detected in Alaska for first time
August 26, 2022. For the first time as far as records show, green crabs have been reported in Alaska waters, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
How Two Dozen Rabbits Started an Ecological Invasion in Australia
August 26, 2022. The country’s “most serious pests” can be traced to one shipment from England in 1859, study shows.
World first genomic study shows why invasive species are so successful
August 25, 2022. Researchers generated the largest collection of historical plant genome sequences to date, representing samples from two continents and from over 190 years ago in one of the world's worst plant invaders, common ragweed.
Key crossbench senator fears 'gaping hole' in invasive species research
August 25, 2022. Key senate crossbencher David Pocock is urging the federal government to give more funding to an invasive species centre in the coming budget, fearing critical research on how to control introduced pests could be at risk.
Acadia National Park's invasive plant species problem worsening with climate change
August 25, 2022. Maine is known for its scenic landscapes, forests, and having the only national park in the northeast. In the region, though, invasive plants are becoming an environmental concern that has increased as temperatures warm because of .
Invasive crayfish discovered at Bow Lake
August 24, 2022. A northern crayfish has been found in Banff National Park – the first time the non-native species has been found in the Bow River system upstream of Calgary.
Cary Institute asks Congress for hearing on invasive species
August 23, 2022. The local environmental nonprofit wants to know why the government’s current practices for limiting invasive pests aren’t working
Why We’re Never Going to Convince the Public to Eat Trash Fish
August 23, 2022. Australia's recent campaign to entice folks to eat more common carp is just the latest failure.
Roundtable Addresses Invasive Species
August 22, 2022. Aquatic invasive species were the topic of last week’s Kenai Classic Roundtable on sportfishing policy. The Aquatic Invasive Species Blue Ribbon Commission shared concerns and sought input on solutions from an audience of Alaska officials, including U.S. Sen Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Gov. Mike Dunleavy, as well as NOAA administrator Richard Spinrad.
Cane toad population on the rise; why they are dangerous
August 22, 2022. The poisonous cane toads population is on the rise in Southwest Florida.
Animals and climate change: which animals will be most resilient?
August 22, 2022. Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, looking at how the planet’s ecosystems will respond to a changing climate, estimate which animals will be the most and least resilient to climate change and its effects.
It’s debatable: Keeping out the round goby
August 21, 2022. The New York State Canal Corp. and Department of Environmental Conservation recently released a multi-faceted plan for managing the invasive round goby to help prevent its spread to Lake Champlain. The state’s strategy is a prudent approach to managing a complex international waterway with multiple users and stakeholders.
Japan to up subsidies to help tackle invasive species
August 21, 2022. The Environment Ministry plans to expand subsidies aimed at helping local governments implement control measures against invasive alien species, such as the snapping turtle and raccoon, sourced said Saturday.
Local biodiversity is boosted when invasive creatures are eradicated
August 20, 2022. The findings demonstrate big gains in biodiversity can be made by campaigns to remove invasive species
Ecoacoustics is being used to detect invasive species in water systems
August 20, 2022. Ecoacoustics is an emerging field that combines acoustics and ecology. It can be used to assess and monitor the biodiversity of an ecosystem by studying its soundscape. To date, most ecoacoustic research has focused on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, but Jack Greenhalgh, a freshwater ecology researcher at the University of Bristol, specialises in recording the surprisingly vibrant soundscapes of ponds.
Burmese pythons: Once pets, now an invasive species being hunted in Florida
August 20, 2022. To control the nocturnal reptile's population, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) held a 10-day python-hunting contest, with 800 people participating.
Protecting endangered species by relocating them?
August 19, 2022. Federal proposal’s merit hinges on whether a move is ‘in good faith,’ conservationists say.
South Dakota lakes and streams group seeks more help on zebra mussels shown to stunt walleye growth
August 19, 2022. Zebra mussels are steadily infesting South Dakota lakes, and the state’s walleye and perch populations likely are paying a pric
Here's how two invasive species have cost the world $16bn - and what can be done about it
August 18, 2022. The brown tree snake and American bullfrog caused $10.3 billion and $6 billion in damage, respectively, between 1986 and 2020.
Pig’s for dinner: invasive feral hogs helped save Australia’s apex predator from extinction
August 16, 2022. In the land down under, one ecological nightmare is helping crocodiles fill their bellies.
Encore: Florida's python challenge does little to reduce the invasive species impact
August 15, 2022. Florida awards hunters who capture pythons from the wild, but the challenge has done little to reduce the invasive species impact on the Everglades ecosystem.
Zebra mussel spread prompts calls for more aggressive prevention strategies for aquatic invasive species
August 15, 2022. Since their introduction in the state less than a decade ago, zebra mussels have found their way into 13 bodies of water across South Dakota, most notably leaping westward into Pactola Reservoir last month. Some interest groups think the Department of Game, Fish and Parks could be doing more to slow the spread.
How to: report invasives (Video)
It's easy to report suspect invasive species using the Report Invasives BC app. Find the plant or animal, take a photo and report! Download the app at https://bcinvasives.ca/report
