Invasive species management, Research, Resilience and risk mitigation

We work closely with the State of Alaska, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to prevent an introduction of invasive mussels to Alaska. However, it may only be a matter of time before invasive quagga and zebra mussels arrive due to their ability to reproduce quickly and hitchhike on a variety of materials. For example, in 2021 zebra mussels were identified on marimo moss balls that were being sold in pet stores and terrariums. To prepare, we are using lessons learned from our partners in places where these mussels exist and implementing initial early detection surveys. Part of this process includes developing tools that can find environmental DNA (eDNA) of the invasive mussels in lakes or streams. Tools like eDNA will help us find new introductions when they are still small and easier to manage.  

Additional information for the State of Alaska banned and quarantine lists can be found here:

Library

zebra mussel on a ruler
Name
Rapid Response Plan for Invasive Aquatic Mussels and Snails in Alaska (PDF)

This plan will serve as a framework to facilitate quick and effective management response to reports of invasive mussels or snails across Alaska. Rapid response refers specifically to urgent actions taken to eradicate founding populations while these populations are still isolated (Department of...

PDF

Facilities

Conservation Genetics Laboratory
The Alaska Region Conservation Genetics Laboratory was established in 1987 as the first conservation genetics facility in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We apply expertise in sophisticated genetic analyses and bioinformatics to a wide variety of management issues in support of Department of...
Conservation Office
Anchorage,AK

News

Biologist smiling while lifting a boot up to have friend clean dirt out of tread.
Importance of Investments in Prevention
Invasive species are well known to be bad. But what makes a species invasive? There are two key components that determine if a plant, animal, or other living organism is invasive: # 1. Thrive in an environment where they don’t naturally live and #2. Cause Harm (or are likely to cause) to economic,...
Story
Get Involved
Researchers holding aquatic vegetation from the lake while sitting on the side of a boat.
Importance of Prevention & Early Detection, Rapid Response
Thankfully, in Alaska, right now we’re ahead of the curve with many invasive species. But before you celebrate that news, it’s important to understand that staying early on the invasion curve requires strategic dedicated efforts. 
Story
Watercraft inspector physically inspecting two kayaks on top of truck roof rack for aquatic invasive species.
Preventing dreissenid mussels from entering Alaska
Just as Gandalf famously declared 'You shall not pass!' to protect the passageway from great evil in Lord of the Rings, we must continue a similar attitude in our prevention of zebra mussels. These tiny, invasive mussels pose a serious threat to our waterways, ecosystems, and infrastructure. By...
Story
Recreation

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Programs

Silver Carp Jumping
Aquatic invasive species cause tremendous harm to our environment, our economy, and our health. They can drive out and eat native plants and wildlife, spread diseases, and damage infrastructure. We work to protect our waterways and the communities that depend on them from the threat of invasive...
Program
A large, wet, furry brown rodent standing on grassy land next to a body of water
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and other living organisms that thrive in areas where they don’t naturally live and cause (or are likely to cause) economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal or plant health. Invasive species degrade, change or displace native habitats,...
Program

Partners

Species