Aquatic Invasive Species
Over 180 non-native species have been introduced into the Great Lakes region. Some of these species such as the zebra mussel, Eurasian watermilfoil and silver carp have flourished and negatively impacted both our environment and economy. Even more aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as these lurk on the horizon as threats to Lake Michigan and the inland waters of both Illinois and Indiana.
AIS can be introduced and spread through a variety of activities including those associated with recreational water users, water gardeners, aquarium hobbyists, and nursery tradespeople. For example, when an angler releases bait fish at the end of a day’s fishing or a water gardener disposes of excess plants in a local waterway, they could also be accidentally introducing AIS. IISG works with these groups to provide the tools they need to avoid AIS-risky behaviors.
News
- Invasive Hydroid May Strain Food Source for Young Fish
- The HELM: Would You Please Pass the Asian Carp?
- New IISG WATCH Card Features Two Invasive Plants
- The HELM: Aquatic Invaders Web Site Spreads Beyond the Internet
- Invasive New Zealand Mud Snail Found in Lake Michigan
- Are You Buying Invasive Water Garden Plants?
- The HELM: Plant Retailers Provide Source of AIS
Initiatives
Asian Carp
The latest information on Asian carp includes how to identify, catch, clean and cook the fish and protect yourself while boating through Asian carp-infested waters.
Got Fish and Aquatic Plants? Get a Habitattitude™
Aquarium and water garden enthusiasts can help prevent the introduction of invasive species into local waters by choosing alternatives to releasing plants and animals into the wild.
Aquatic Plants in Trade
Through a science-based assessment of risk, best management practices and outreach, IISG is working to help reduce the introduction of invasive aquatic plants to our waters.
Illinois Aquatic Nuisance Species
This web site provides “one-stop shopping” for Illinois residents seeking information on AIS including links to AIS regulations and “hot” topics, and an on-line reporting form for AIS sightings.
Nab the Aquatic Invader!
This educational web site introduces students (grades 4-10) to marine and freshwater invasive species and their impacts through colorful cartoon characters.
Safe Disposal of Classroom Specimens
Classroom specimens can end up part of the invasive species problem. With more information, schools and suppliers can be part of the solution.
Research Projects
How do plant species invasions affect water quality services performed by Great Lakes coastal wetlands?
Nancy Tuchman, Loyola University Chicago
Alterations of Lake Michigan benthic communities by the invasive colonial hydroid, Cordylophora caspia: effects on fish prey
Nadine C. Folino-Rorem, Wheaton College; Martin Berg, Loyola University Chicago
Products
Invasive Aquatic Plants Brochure: What Every Plant Enthusiast Needs to Know
Brazlian elodea WATCH Card
Asian Carp Poster
"Don't Dump Bait!" Sticker
Got Fish & Aquatic Plants? Get Habitattitude™ Magnet
Nab those Menacing Invaders! Poster Set
Exotic Species Compendium of Activities to Protect the Ecosystem (ESCAPE)
Web Links
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, U.S. Geological Survey
Asian Carp Management
Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida
Protect Your Waters: Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!
Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System
Exotic Aquatics on the Move
Sea Grant Ocean Sciences Education Center
