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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 invasive carp, Phragmites australis (common reed), Zebra and Quagga mussels.

USGS Science and Technology Help Managers Battle Invading Asian Carp

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Juvenile Silver Carp used to evaluate the efficacy of sound as a deterrent in test ponds.

Development of Chemical Tools to Control Invasive Carp and Dreissenid Mussels

Over 180 and 140 aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been introduced into the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River basins, respectively, with threats of new invasions always on the horizon. Sea lamprey, zebra mussels, and invasive carps are just a few examples of AIS whose abilities to alter aquatic habitats and disrupt food cycles threaten many outdoor recreation opportunities and ecosystems...
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Mississippi River
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Development of Chemical Tools to Control Invasive Carp and Dreissenid Mussels

Over 180 and 140 aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been introduced into the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River basins, respectively, with threats of new invasions always on the horizon. Sea lamprey, zebra mussels, and invasive carps are just a few examples of AIS whose abilities to alter aquatic habitats and disrupt food cycles threaten many outdoor recreation opportunities and ecosystems...
Learn More
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Collecting water samples for eDNA

Invasive Carp Early Detection

Increased threat of Invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. In collaboration with partners, USGS scientists are testing early detection methods and technologies to enhance the ability of agencies to manage Invasive carp to minimize their influence...
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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
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Invasive Carp Early Detection

Increased threat of Invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. In collaboration with partners, USGS scientists are testing early detection methods and technologies to enhance the ability of agencies to manage Invasive carp to minimize their influence...
Learn More
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Hydraulic and water-quality testing

Invasive Carp Risk Assessment and Life History

Increased threat of Invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. USGS Invasive carp biology and life history research has led to the development of models, tools and strategies to better understand the risk of Invasive carp establishment and survival...
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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
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Invasive Carp Risk Assessment and Life History

Increased threat of Invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. USGS Invasive carp biology and life history research has led to the development of models, tools and strategies to better understand the risk of Invasive carp establishment and survival...
Learn More
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Asian Carp

Invasive Carp Integrated Control and Containment

Increased threat of Invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. Successful management of invasive species requires methods to contain future spread, reduce population levels, and minimize their effects. In collaboration with partners, USGS scientists...
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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
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Invasive Carp Integrated Control and Containment

Increased threat of Invasive carp entering the Great Lakes and spreading to other basins such as the Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins, has led to increased prevention and control efforts since 2010. Successful management of invasive species requires methods to contain future spread, reduce population levels, and minimize their effects. In collaboration with partners, USGS scientists...
Learn More
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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...
Learn More
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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...
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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