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Invasive Species

More than 180 aquatic nuisance species now exist in the Great Lakes. Enhanced prevention and control efforts are critical to halting new invasive (non-native) aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial species from becoming established in the Great Lakes. By rapidly reproducing and spreading, invasive species can degrade habitat, harm native species and alter food webs. Prevention is the most cost-effective approach to dealing with organisms that have not yet arrived and could potentially threaten the Great Lakes. Once invasive species establish a foothold, they are virtually impossible to eradicate; however, invasive species still need to be controlled to maintain the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The GLRI is supporting efforts to prevent and control invasive species. As a part of this effort, the USGS is working with others to help prevent and/or control Asian carp, Phragmites australis (common reed), Zebra and Quagga mussels.

USGS Science and Technology Help Managers Battle Invading Asian Carp
Filter Total Items: 4
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Staff using micron mesh for zooplankton sampling

Foundations for Future Restoration Actions: Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative - Lake Ontario, 2018

Environmental organizations from the United States and Canada have teamed up each year, as part of the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) program, to assess conditions in one of the five Great Lakes. . Each year, the survey focuses on a series of research areas, such as phosphorus and nitrogen input and movement through the food web, phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, and...
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Foundations for Future Restoration Actions: Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative - Lake Ontario, 2018

Environmental organizations from the United States and Canada have teamed up each year, as part of the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) program, to assess conditions in one of the five Great Lakes. . Each year, the survey focuses on a series of research areas, such as phosphorus and nitrogen input and movement through the food web, phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, and...
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Quagga Mussels

Invasive Mussel Control Science: Dreissenid Mussel Growth in Lake Ontario

USGS scientists worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor growth of invasive zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha ) in Lake Ontario with the goal of improving understanding on the effects these mussels have on the Lake food web.
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Invasive Mussel Control Science: Dreissenid Mussel Growth in Lake Ontario

USGS scientists worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor growth of invasive zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha ) in Lake Ontario with the goal of improving understanding on the effects these mussels have on the Lake food web.
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Zebra Mussels, Dreissena polymorpha

Advancing Invasive Mussel Science Through Collaboration

The Invasive Mussel Collaborative was formed in 2014 to advance scientifically sound technology for invasive mussel control to produce measurable ecological and economic benefits in the Great Lakes. A broad membership base of states, provinces, tribal and other entities and a well-organized communication network facilitates the exchange of information between scientists, managers and stakeholders...
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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
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Advancing Invasive Mussel Science Through Collaboration

The Invasive Mussel Collaborative was formed in 2014 to advance scientifically sound technology for invasive mussel control to produce measurable ecological and economic benefits in the Great Lakes. A broad membership base of states, provinces, tribal and other entities and a well-organized communication network facilitates the exchange of information between scientists, managers and stakeholders...
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Boat trolling for zebra mussels

Invasive Mussel Control Science: Management Tools for Assessing the Risks and Control of Invasive Dreissenid Species

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis , respectively) are causing significant ecological and economic impacts and the scope of these impacts increases as they continue to spread across North America. The USGS conducts science to inform management actions for controlling and mitigating the impacts of invasive mussels. Studies include evaluation and...
By
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
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Invasive Mussel Control Science: Management Tools for Assessing the Risks and Control of Invasive Dreissenid Species

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis , respectively) are causing significant ecological and economic impacts and the scope of these impacts increases as they continue to spread across North America. The USGS conducts science to inform management actions for controlling and mitigating the impacts of invasive mussels. Studies include evaluation and...
Learn More