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Invasive Species

Invasive plants, animals, and other organisms enter and spread throughout the United States through many pathways. USGS invasive species research encompasses all significant groups of invasive organisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems throughout the United States, directly supporting risk assessment, prevention, early detection, rapid response, monitoring, and control efforts.

Filter Total Items: 221

Laboratory evaluation of bait preference for Grass Carp

Michigan and Ohio Department of Natural Resources along with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) and USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center (UMESC) are planning field studies to attract Grass Carp using formulated baits and algae attractants. These baits are intended to increase the density of Grass Carp in specified areas for capture and...
Laboratory evaluation of bait preference for Grass Carp

Laboratory evaluation of bait preference for Grass Carp

Michigan and Ohio Department of Natural Resources along with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) and USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center (UMESC) are planning field studies to attract Grass Carp using formulated baits and algae attractants. These baits are intended to increase the density of Grass Carp in specified areas for capture and...
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Method development for intestinal cannulation to dose filter feeding fishes

Currently, the only U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) registered pesticide for resource managers to control populations of Invasive Carp (e.g., Bighead Carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) are rotenone (Prenfish Fish Toxicant; EPA Reg. No. 89459-85) and Carbon Dioxide – Carp (EPA Reg. No. 6704-95). An alternative to rotenone and Carbon Dioxide – Carp, antimycin-A (ANT-A), is desired by...
Method development for intestinal cannulation to dose filter feeding fishes

Method development for intestinal cannulation to dose filter feeding fishes

Currently, the only U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) registered pesticide for resource managers to control populations of Invasive Carp (e.g., Bighead Carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) are rotenone (Prenfish Fish Toxicant; EPA Reg. No. 89459-85) and Carbon Dioxide – Carp (EPA Reg. No. 6704-95). An alternative to rotenone and Carbon Dioxide – Carp, antimycin-A (ANT-A), is desired by...
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Use of terrestrial plant-based bait and algae attractant to improve capture efficiency of Grass Carp in Lake Erie tributaries

A team of USGS scientists is currently working with the MDNR, ODNR, USFWS, and academic institutions to evaluate the use of grass carp baits and attractants as a tool for resource managers. The science team aims to integrate the use of baits and attractants to increase aggregation of grass carp near targeted capture sites to enhance the multi-jurisdictional removal program associated with the Lake...
Use of terrestrial plant-based bait and algae attractant to improve capture efficiency of Grass Carp in Lake Erie tributaries

Use of terrestrial plant-based bait and algae attractant to improve capture efficiency of Grass Carp in Lake Erie tributaries

A team of USGS scientists is currently working with the MDNR, ODNR, USFWS, and academic institutions to evaluate the use of grass carp baits and attractants as a tool for resource managers. The science team aims to integrate the use of baits and attractants to increase aggregation of grass carp near targeted capture sites to enhance the multi-jurisdictional removal program associated with the Lake...
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Evaluation of selective Grass Carp bait

No current technology can specifically target Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella for control within aquatic ecosystems. Other than TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol) for Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus control, available control chemicals used in aquatic invasive species management programs are non‐selective and typically applied throughout the entire water column, resulting in equal exposure of...
Evaluation of selective Grass Carp bait

Evaluation of selective Grass Carp bait

No current technology can specifically target Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella for control within aquatic ecosystems. Other than TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol) for Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus control, available control chemicals used in aquatic invasive species management programs are non‐selective and typically applied throughout the entire water column, resulting in equal exposure of...
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Assessment and methods development of dyed feeds for the evaluation of toxic fish bait consumption

Recently there has been an increased removal effort of adult Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella from the Lake Erie Basin through traditional capture methods (Herbst et al. 2021). Use of chemical control tools such as a general or ingestible pesticide to support this removal effort has been identified as a potential management option (Robinson et al. 2021).
Assessment and methods development of dyed feeds for the evaluation of toxic fish bait consumption

Assessment and methods development of dyed feeds for the evaluation of toxic fish bait consumption

Recently there has been an increased removal effort of adult Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella from the Lake Erie Basin through traditional capture methods (Herbst et al. 2021). Use of chemical control tools such as a general or ingestible pesticide to support this removal effort has been identified as a potential management option (Robinson et al. 2021).
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Hydroacoustic detection of dreissenid mussels and their habitat: an innovative way to detect dreissenid infestations and model preferred habitat for future colonization

The proposed project will explore the technology of hydroacoustics to detect dreissenid mussels and analyze habitat variables to model preferred future habitat locations to help control the spread of invasive dreissenid mussels.
Hydroacoustic detection of dreissenid mussels and their habitat: an innovative way to detect dreissenid infestations and model preferred habitat for future colonization

Hydroacoustic detection of dreissenid mussels and their habitat: an innovative way to detect dreissenid infestations and model preferred habitat for future colonization

The proposed project will explore the technology of hydroacoustics to detect dreissenid mussels and analyze habitat variables to model preferred future habitat locations to help control the spread of invasive dreissenid mussels.
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Use and Evaluation of Stimuli for Herding Bigheaded Carps to Increase their Capture Efficiency

Mass removal of the invasive silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (collectively referred to as bigheaded carp) is a primary management action in the United States to contain population growth and reduce upstream dispersal. Efficient capture and removal techniques are required to achieve this goal, and the USGS is working to develop and evaluate such...
Use and Evaluation of Stimuli for Herding Bigheaded Carps to Increase their Capture Efficiency

Use and Evaluation of Stimuli for Herding Bigheaded Carps to Increase their Capture Efficiency

Mass removal of the invasive silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (collectively referred to as bigheaded carp) is a primary management action in the United States to contain population growth and reduce upstream dispersal. Efficient capture and removal techniques are required to achieve this goal, and the USGS is working to develop and evaluate such...
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Invasive Annual Grass (IAG) Spatial Dataset Compilation and Synthesis

USGS is working closely with partners in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Intermountain West Joint Venture (IMJV) to collect and summarize spatial datasets that describe measurable aspects of invasive annual grasses (e.g., biomass or presence) across the western United Stated and beyond. The products developed through this project provide...
Invasive Annual Grass (IAG) Spatial Dataset Compilation and Synthesis

Invasive Annual Grass (IAG) Spatial Dataset Compilation and Synthesis

USGS is working closely with partners in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Intermountain West Joint Venture (IMJV) to collect and summarize spatial datasets that describe measurable aspects of invasive annual grasses (e.g., biomass or presence) across the western United Stated and beyond. The products developed through this project provide...
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USGS Coordinated Burmese Python Research Strategy for South Florida (FY21 – FY27)

Wetland and Aquatic Research Center and Fort Collins Science Center are coordinating a long-term, landscape-scale Burmese python research strategy for South Florida.
USGS Coordinated Burmese Python Research Strategy for South Florida (FY21 – FY27)

USGS Coordinated Burmese Python Research Strategy for South Florida (FY21 – FY27)

Wetland and Aquatic Research Center and Fort Collins Science Center are coordinating a long-term, landscape-scale Burmese python research strategy for South Florida.
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Using Scout Burmese Pythons and Detector Dogs to Protect Endangered Species in the Florida Keys

Using Scout Burmese Pythons and Detector Dogs to Protect Endangered Species in the Florida Keys

WARC researchers are addressing an urgent need to identify specific habitat use of pythons on Key Largo, FL.
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Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative

The Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative was initiated in 2017 to reduce wildfire risk and improve border security by actively conducting fuels treatments on Department of Interior (DOI) and tribal lands within 100 miles of the US-Mexico border. The initiative supports Executive Order 13855: Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Land to Improve...
Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative

Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative

The Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative was initiated in 2017 to reduce wildfire risk and improve border security by actively conducting fuels treatments on Department of Interior (DOI) and tribal lands within 100 miles of the US-Mexico border. The initiative supports Executive Order 13855: Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Land to Improve...
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Understanding Greater Everglades Mammal Communities within and adjacent to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Understanding Greater Everglades Mammal Communities within and adjacent to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

WARC Researchers are using a variety of methods to assess mammal communities across the Greater Everglades.
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