November 19, 2008
Zebra Mussels and Kansas
Lakes and rivers throughout Kansas are being taken over by zebra mussels. The invasive species were first seen in the state in 2003 in El Dorado Lake. If you spot zebra mussels in your local lake or river you can report them, here.
Zebra mussels are costing the state of Kansas and the rest of the U.S. up to $145 million dollars a year. Learn more.
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November 6, 2008
Asian Carp Knocking on Lake Michigan's Door
Asian carp are now less than 45 miles from entering Lake Michigan, and the barrier to keep the fish from the Great Lakes is still not operating. The barrier is still being tested, and the Coast Guard is unsure when it will be in operation. The fish can grow to 100 pounds and out compete local fish for food. The invasive species disrupts the food chain and ecosystems of many watersheds.
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October 22, 2008
Pesticide For Zebra and Quagga Mussels
Researchers from the New York State Museum have developed a bacterial toxin to control zebra and quagga mussels that is environmentally friendly. The two invasive species from the Caspian and Black Seas have clogged water-intake pipes at factories and power...
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September 8, 2008
Stopping the Round Goby
Scientists from the USGS have discovered certain chemicals (Bayluscide and antimycin) that may be useful in slowing the spread of the round goby. The goby is a invasive fish species that is threatening the Great Lakes and other inland lakes... Continue reading "Stopping the Round Goby"
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August 21, 2008
Wild Boar on the Loose
A new invasive species is invading the Midwest! Apparently, a wild boar from Europe was released near the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota. The boar could mate with feral pigs and multiply at a rapid rate, which has wildlife officials... Continue reading "Wild Boar on the Loose"
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August 19, 2008
Avian Botulism
The DNR in Michigan has confirmed that birds are still dying from avian botulism this year, after four birds washed up on Lake Michigan beaches with the disease. Close to 11,000 birds in the Great Lakes basin perished from botulism... Continue reading "Avian Botulism"
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August 14, 2008
Milfoil Weevil
A new bug may be on the way to fight Eurasian Milfoil in lakes. The milfoil weevil could be an answer to chemical treatment for the invasive weed that has choked many lakes. The weevil is a specialist herbivore and... Continue reading "Milfoil Weevil"
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August 5, 2008
Fighting Sea Lampreys
With sea lamprey numbers increasing in the Great Lakes, agencies throughout the watershed are trying to use chemicals to stop the parasites at the larval stage in many rivers. Rivers that feed Lake Erie and Lake Michigan are being treated... Continue reading "Fighting Sea Lampreys"
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July 29, 2008
Invasive Species Response
Representatives of local, state and federal government agencies and community groups will test their readiness to respond to invasive species in the Great Lakes in a exercise in Presque Isle Bay, Pa. This is the first time that the U.S.... Continue reading "Invasive Species Response"
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July 24, 2008
Ballast Water and Invasive Species
A ruling out of New York is being hailed as a victory for the Great Lakes. Beginning September 30, ships will no longer be able to discharge ballast water into the Great Lakes without a permit from the EPA. The... Continue reading "Ballast Water and Invasive Species"
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July 8, 2008
Invasion of Quagga Mussels
The quagga mussel is destroying many lake ecosystems around the world. The invasive species first made its way from the Ukraine to the United States in 1989, when it was found in Lake Erie. Learn more about this invasive species,... Continue reading "Invasion of Quagga Mussels"
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July 2, 2008
Lake Levels, Water Quality and Invasive Species
After two major flood events in less then a year, some communities are looking at lowering the average levels of their lakes. The Yahara Chain or Madison Chain of Lakes has many homeowners and boaters wondering what can be done... Continue reading "Lake Levels, Water Quality and Invasive Species"
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June 30, 2008
Great Lakes Environmental Report
A must read comes from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the report Great Lakes, Great Peril dives deep into the problems facing the Great Lakes. It covers the ecological and economical problems caused by cladophora and invasive species in the lakes.... Continue reading "Great Lakes Environmental Report"
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June 20, 2008
VHS Keeps Spreading
The Chicago Tribune has a nice map and graphic on something the MLPC reported on a few weeks back. The spread of the invasive VHS or viral hemorrhagic septicemia has many biologists concerned throughout the Great Lakes region. VHS has... Continue reading "VHS Keeps Spreading"
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June 6, 2008
VHS Spreading
Thousands of dead round gobies washed ashore in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The DNR is blaming the fish kill on VHS. This is the first time viral hemorrhagic septicemia has been found in the southern basin of Lake Michigan. Now, there... Continue reading "VHS Spreading"
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May 13, 2008
Spiny Water Flea Study
A professor from Queen’s University believes reducing the spread of some invasive species into our lakes could be as simple as asking boaters and fishers to dry out their equipment after use. Dr. Arnott’s current research focuses on the spiny... Continue reading "Spiny Water Flea Study"
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May 12, 2008
Lake Minnetonka and Milfoil
A new plan is underway to help Lake Minnetonka control the growth of invasive species, such as Eurasian water milfoil and curly-leaf pondweed. Three bays in the lake will be treated with herbicides, the process costs close to 200,000 dollars.... Continue reading "Lake Minnetonka and Milfoil"
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May 7, 2008
Buckthorn, Wetlands and Lakes
Invasive Buckthorn is becoming a larger problem across the wetlands and shorelines of much of the country. Glossy Buckthorn was brought from Europe in the 1850’s and was introduced through nurseries. The plant continues to degrade wildlife habitat and... Continue reading "Buckthorn, Wetlands and Lakes"
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April 25, 2008
Invasive Species Legislation
New legislation that passed the House, and seems likely to pass through the Senate will force ocean-going vessels coming into the Great Lakes to flush their hulls of ballast water 200 miles outside of the United States. Also, beginning in... Continue reading "Invasive Species Legislation"
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April 18, 2008
Vessel Discharge Program
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is working with other state, federal, tribal and international organizations to take steps to address the threat of invasive species in the Great Lakes, and intends to develop a regulatory program to control the introduction... Continue reading "Vessel Discharge Program"
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March 10, 2008
Eurasian Ruffe
The Eurasian ruffe is a small perch capable of rapid population growth which is threatening native fish species in the Great Lakes. The ruffe was introduced to Duluth Harbor in Lake Superior by ballast water and was first collected... Continue reading "Eurasian Ruffe"
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March 6, 2008
Lake Huron Food Web
There is a change in the food web in Lake Huron that is surprising many biologists. The change may be related to exotic species like the zebra mussel, quagga mussel, round gobies and the spiny water flea. Scientists are trying... Continue reading "Lake Huron Food Web"
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February 25, 2008
Eurasian Milfoil in Michigan
Lake associations in Iron County, Michigan are working to find funds to contain invasive species in county lakes. Representatives from fifteen lake associations told the Iron County Parks and Recreation Commission that they need funds to help contain Eurasian Milfoil.... Continue reading "Eurasian Milfoil in Michigan"
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February 11, 2008
EcologiQ and Ballast Water
EcologiQ, a company out of Michigan hopes a tiny form of yeast it has patented can rid cargo ships of invasive species that live in their ballast tanks by starving them of oxygen. Ballast water often contains the adult and... Continue reading "EcologiQ and Ballast Water"
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February 6, 2008
Research of Invasive Species
Close to $2 million dollars is set to help with the research of invasive species and in creating a more environmentally friendly shipping industry in the coming year. Lake Superior Research Institute is set to recieve $980,000 which will help... Continue reading "Research of Invasive Species"
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January 28, 2008
Migrating Birds and the Great Lakes
The mounting loss of migrating birds has researchers and ecologists blaming the deaths on invasive populations of zebra mussels and round gobies spreading over the Great Lakes, effectively creating a new food chain. Zebra mussels and quagga mussels, filter naturally... Continue reading "Migrating Birds and the Great Lakes"
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January 25, 2008
Bloody-Red Shrimp, Spreading
Scientists have been searching for the bloody-red shrimp (Hemimysis anomala) and so far have found them in Lake Erie, Lake Michigan and in Lake Ontario. The shrimp were first spotted in 2006 in Lake Ontario and in a canal that... Continue reading "Bloody-Red Shrimp, Spreading"
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January 17, 2008
Ballast and Invasive Species
New laws will try to keep invasive species out of the Great Lakes; and will require oceangoing ships to flush their ballast tanks with salt water before entering the St. Lawrence Seaway. Increased inspections of salt-water freighters will take place... Continue reading "Ballast and Invasive Species"
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January 3, 2008
Sentinel Lakes Pilot Project
24 lakes across Minnesota will be studied to see how the state’s lakes are handling global warming, development, invasive species and urban runoff. The Sentinel Lakes Pilot Project will begin in 2008, and is a joint effort of the Minnesota... Continue reading "Sentinel Lakes Pilot Project"
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December 28, 2007
New Invasive Species
Thirteen new invasive species were recently found for the first time in the ballast water of oceangoing ships that entered the Great Lakes. They will join the zebra mussel, and over 170 other species already found in the lakes. Seven... Continue reading "New Invasive Species"
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November 15, 2007
Migratory Birds and Botulism
More than 100 dead loons and other migratory birds have washed up on Great Lakes shores this month. The number one suspect for the birds’ deaths is botulism poisoning linked to the spread of invasive species. Preliminary evidence closely matches... Continue reading "Migratory Birds and Botulism"
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October 31, 2007
Humans: The True Invasive Species
Development on Lake Superior could be the greater threat to the lake than pollution, rising temperatures and invasive species believes a panel of scientists. As the level of most toxic pollutants has dropped over the years, the potential for more... Continue reading "Humans: The True Invasive Species"
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October 11, 2007
Brazilian Elodea
Brazilian elodea, an invasive species, has been discovered in Minnesota waters. It was discovered in Powderhorn Lake, which is south of Minneapolis. The Brazilian elodea was spotted during a survey of aquatic vegetation in the lake. The plant is native... Continue reading "Brazilian Elodea"
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October 3, 2007
The Ozarks and Zebra Mussels
A discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks has prompted concerns around the area. Employees of Empire District Electric Company discovered the mussels. The fingernail- to quarter-sized mussels were attached to a submerged... Continue reading "The Ozarks and Zebra Mussels"
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September 20, 2007
Lake Ponemah
Zebra mussels may be making Lake Ponemah in Michigan clearer, but it's also making aquatic weeds grow at an unhealthy level. The clearer water is allowing more sunlight to get to weeds and helping them grow. The Fenton Township Board... Continue reading "Lake Ponemah"
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September 5, 2007
Spiny Water Flea Spreading
The spiny water flea, has made its way into another of Wisconsin's lakes, Stormy Lake in Vilas County makes the lake only the second inland body of water in the state known to harbor the invasive species. Researchers found the... Continue reading "Spiny Water Flea Spreading"
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August 24, 2007
New Zealand Mud Snail
Watch this video to learn more about another Great Lakes threat the New Zealand Mud Snail. The New Zealand Mud Snail’s native range includes the lakes and streams of New Zealand and its adjacent small islands. It is now... Continue reading "New Zealand Mud Snail"
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August 14, 2007
Trying to Stop Invasive Species
Ocean Freighters are being blamed for wreaking havoc on the ecosystem of the Great Lakes by introducing many of its worst invasive species, establishing species in the lakes from as far away as the Black Sea and China. Some... Continue reading "Trying to Stop Invasive Species"
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July 20, 2007
Curly-Leaf Pondweed
Curly-leaf pondweed is an invasive species that forms surface mats across lakes and ponds. The plant usually drops to the lake bottom by early to mid July. Curly-leaf pondweed was the most common and severe nuisance aquatic plant in... Continue reading "Curly-Leaf Pondweed"
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July 19, 2007
Eurasian Watermilfoil Keeps Moving
Eurasian watermilfoil has been found in six more lakes in Minnesota according to the DNR. The invasive plant was found in Kimball Lake in Crow Wing County, Maple Lake in Wright County, Spectacle Lake in Isanti County, McMahon Lake in... Continue reading "Eurasian Watermilfoil Keeps Moving"
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May 21, 2007
The Spread of Quagga Mussels
The quagga mussel has appeared in lakes Mead, Havasu and Mohave in Arizona. Now, managers at Lake Powell are doing whatever they can to keep the mussels out. If they do show up in the lake, they could cause boat... Continue reading "The Spread of Quagga Mussels"
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April 23, 2007
Ban Ocean Freighters?
A conservation group wants to ban ocean freighters from the Great Lakes, to help put a stop to the onslaught of invasive species. Great Lakes United says shutting the St. Lawrence Seaway to seafaring ships would be similar to closing... Continue reading "Ban Ocean Freighters?"
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April 10, 2007
Ballast Water
Three Michigan environmental groups asked to intervene in a federal lawsuit over the state's efforts to halt invasive species from being dumped in the Great Lakes by ocean-going ships. A state law took effect that requires shippers to get permits... Continue reading "Ballast Water"
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March 22, 2007
Ballast-Water Law
Shipping companies and industry groups from the United States, Canada and Barbados representing ocean freighters that transport cargo on the Great Lakes have sued Michigan, claiming its new ballast-water law is unconstitutional. The law is among the first of its... Continue reading "Ballast-Water Law"
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February 26, 2007
Purple Loosestrife
Purple loosestrife is a semi-aquatic herbaceous plant belonging to the loosestrife family, Lythraceae, native to the wetlands of Eurasia. It is an herbaceous perennial plant, growing 1-2 m tall, forming colonies 1.5 m or more in width with numerous... Continue reading "Purple Loosestrife"
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January 23, 2007
Asian Carp Barrier
Two Illinois Congress members introduced legislation to fund an electric barrier keeping the nonnative Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. Biologists believe the carp would cause havoc for boaters and anglers, and threaten the region's $4.5 billion fishery. Rep.... Continue reading "Asian Carp Barrier"
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January 18, 2007
Asian Carp Video
Asian carp are a huge problem. See why in this video; just watch your head for flying carp.... Continue reading "Asian Carp Video"
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Lake Mead
The recent discovery of a destructive, exotic mussel in Lake Mead has put California officials on alert for the invader, which can cause millions of dollars worth of damage to water pipes and foul aquatic ecosystems. The quagga mussels...Link to this article | Comments (0)
January 16, 2007
Starve Hollow Lake
Bird watchers are getting a good look at bald eagles at a southern Indiana lake. The Indiana DNR is lowering Starve Hollow Lake about 4 feet each winter to put stress on the population of gizzard shad, a nuisance fish.... Continue reading "Starve Hollow Lake"
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December 27, 2006
Lake Trout and Invasive Species
A half-century after lake trout were eliminated from Lake Michigan, there are subtle signs the fish are trying to make a comeback in the Great Lakes. Scientists recently discovered evidence that lake trout are reproducing on their own on a... Continue reading "Lake Trout and Invasive Species"
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December 22, 2006
Hemimysis anomala, Shrimp
Eight years ago, two researchers at a Canadian university predicted the half-inch, bright orange Hemimysis anomala was a likely candidate to follow other Caspian Sea region invaders such as the zebra mussel into the Great Lakes, if more wasn't done... Continue reading "Hemimysis anomala, Shrimp"
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November 2, 2006
China's Lakes
75 percent of China's 20,000 natural lakes are suffering pollution from algae, while the nation has lost nearly 1,000 lakes in the last 50 years due to human activity. Losses are due to industrial farming, overuse of water and pollution,... Continue reading "China's Lakes"
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October 23, 2006
Hydrilla
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources chained all public access sites at Lake Manitou. The actions show how seriously the state has taken the threat of hydrilla, discovered in Rochester lake this fall, and what could be in store...Link to this article | Comments (0)