Transcript Aquatic Invasive Species in the Upper Great Plains

Aquatic Invasive Species in the
Upper Great Plains
Part I: Introduction to AIS
Aquatic invasive species (AIS)
Aquatic
Adapted to habitats
regularly or permanently
inundated (lakes, rivers,
wetlands)
Invasive Species
Non-native species that spread
rapidly, outcompete native species,
and cause harm (ecological,
economic, or social)
AIS characteristics
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Not all non-native species are invasive
Not all invasive species can establish in a given area
Often difficult to predict effects of an AIS in an area
Usually difficult or impossible to eradicate once established
Also called Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) in some programs
Potential pathways for AIS spread
 Recreation
 Watercraft movement
 Hunting and angling
equipment
 Live bait releases
 Float planes
 Consumer
 Aquarium releases
 Water garden escapements
 Industry
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Aquaculture escapements
Live food trade
Internet sales
Industrial equipment
Shipping
 Natural
 Inter-connected waterways
 Wildlife migrations
Why care about AIS?
 Stable natural ecosystems support human development
 AIS threaten this equilibrium:
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Biodiversity
Recreation
Infrastructure
Human health
Some AIS displace native species
Some AIS can affect water quality
Examples of AIS
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Zebra mussels
Quagga mussels
Asian carp (Invasive carp)
Eurasian watermilfoil
Curlyleaf pondweed
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS)
Zebra mussels
 Adults:
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Triangular or D-shaped
Up to 2 inches in length
Alternating bands (zebra)
Byssal threads help attach to
hard substrates
 Siphons pump water
 Larvae (veligers):
 Microscopic
 Free-floating (planktonic)
 2 weeks to 3 months to settle
Byssal threads
Quagga mussels
 Similar in appearance
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Slightly larger
Thinner shell
Rounder shape
Cannot stand on side
Rings instead of zig-zags
 Veliger stage similar
 Higher tolerances
 Found deeper
 Travel farther
ZM/QM impacts
 Ecosystem
 Filter feeding
 Bioaccumulation
 Attachment
 Recreation
 Reduce populations
 Sharp shells
 Industry
 Attachment
 Water quality
 Cost increases
 Consumers
 Cost increases
 Water availability
Zebra mussels in El Dorado Reservoir, Kansas
Zebra mussels clog pipes
ZM/QM spread
ZM/QM pathways of spread
 Downstream – veliger drift
 Across land – by humans
 In water (veligers)
 Fouled equipment
Zebra mussels on anchor
Zebra mussels on buoy chain
Water may contain veligers
Asian carp
Bighead carp
 Four species:
 Black carp – up to 80 inches and 155
pounds, large scales
 Grass carp – up to 60 inches and 100
pounds, large scales
 Bighead carp – up to 51 inches and 110
pounds, fine scales, down-turned eyes
 Silver carp – up to 51 inches and 77
pounds, fine scales, down-turned eyes
Silver carp
Grass carp
 “Invasive carp” alternate term
Bighead carp
Asian carp impacts
 Feeding behaviors (vary)
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Black carp - mollusks
Grass carp – vegetation
Bighead carp – filter feeding
Silver carp – filter feeding
Bighead carp mouth
 Silver carp jumping tendency
Grass carp
Jumping silver carp in the James River, SD
Asian carp pathways for spread
 Originally imported for aquaculture
 Bighead and silver – algae control
 Grass – vegetation
 Black – snails (trematodes)
 Escapement
 Bait bucket transfers
Bighead carp
Native gizzard shad
Silver carp
Eurasian watermilfoil
 Widespread invasive plant used in
aquariums and water gardens
 Difficult to distinguish from native
milfoils
 4 leaves whorled around a hollow stem
 At least 14 leaflet pairs
 Typically found in 1 to 15 feet of water
Close-up of Eurasian watermilfoil
Eurasian watermilfoil
 Forms a dense canopy at the water's surface
 Decreases native plant and animal diversity
 Impedes recreational activities
Dense mat of Eurasian watermilfoil
Eurasian watermilfoil
 Natural spread
 Downstream drift
 Waterfowl
 Human spread
 Fragments on equipment
Vegetation on a propeller
Eurasian watermilfoil in the Sheyenne River, ND
Curlyleaf pondweed
 Distinguished from native pondweeds
 Lasagna noodle-shaped leaves
 Fine serrations on leaf margins
 Typically found in 3 to 6 feet of water
Finely serrated leaf
Native pondweed
Curlyleaf pondweed from North Dakota
Curlyleaf pondweed
Curlyleaf pondweed
 Quickly forms dense mats on or near surface
 Shades out native aquatic plants
 Impedes recreation
 Mid-summer die-offs can trigger fish kills
Curlyleaf pondweed in Raleigh Reservoir, ND
Close-up of curlyleaf pondweed
Curlyleaf pondweed
 Natural spread
 Downstream drift
 Waterfowl
 Human spread
 Fragments on equipment
Aquatic vegetation on boat and trailer
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS)
 Viral infection that can cause many symptoms and lead to death
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Hemorrhaging in eyes, skin, gills, base of fins, internal organs
Darkening of skin
Bulging eyes
Bloated abdomens
Lethargy
Pale gills
Loss of osmotic function
VHS impacts
 Can impact a variety of freshwater species
 Many more species can act as carriers
 Has led to large fish kills in isolated areas
VHS pathways of spread
 Natural
 Downstream drift of water
 Swimming of infected fish
 Human
 Transferring infected fish (stocking or bait)
 Contaminated gear
 Contaminated water
Preventing the spread
 Message varies but steps are similar:
 Clean – inspect equipment and remove plants, animals, and mud
before leaving water access site
 Drain – remove all water before leaving water access site
 Dry – allow to dry completely or disinfect using approved method
(hot water, bleach, vinegar, salt, freezing, etc.)
 Don’t dump bait – dispose of unused bait in trash or on land
 Don’t release pets and plants into the wild
 Goal is to prevent movement of water and organisms
Prevention is critical
END OF PRESENTATION
 30 minutes available for a question and answer session
Aquatic Invasive Species in the
Upper Great Plains
Part II: Program implementation and considerations
AIS management
 Factors affecting AIS distribution
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Environmental tolerances
Movement constraints
Ecosystem connectivity
Do not adhere to social boundaries
 Many watersheds are shared by multiple jurisdictions
 Red River
 James River
 Rainy Lake
AIS management
 Recreational boaters are becoming increasingly mobile
 Fishing is “big business” for all 4 jurisdictions
 Anglers seek a wide variety of opportunities
 Closed fishing seasons in one jurisdiction may drive interstate travel
 Internet forums allow for anglers to chase “a hot bite”
 2012 inspection
results
 Boaters travel
from many
places to fish in
Manitoba
Collaborative AIS management
 Constituent “Buy-in”
 Similar regulations in the region would cause less confusion
for user groups
 Similar messaging in the region would prevent “mixedmessages” from agencies working towards the same goals
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Clean, Drain, Dry
Inspect, Remove, Drain
Clean, Drain, Dispose
Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose
Collaborative AIS management
 A holistic, regional or eco-region approach to AIS management
may be the best
 Examples of successful collaborations:
 Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER)
 Western Invasive Species Collaborative Agreement
 Invasive Mussel Prevention Framework
 Mussel Defense Framework funding secured
 Western Regional Panel on ANS Building Consensus
 Uniform waterbody classification system
 Model legislation for mandatory boat inspection programs
 Finalizing model regulations for boat inspection programs
AIS program components
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Outreach and education
Sampling and monitoring
Management and control
Research
Outreach and education
 Goals are multi-faceted:
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What AIS are and identification
Species impacts
Actions to prevent the spread
Relevant regulations
 Outcomes:
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Public awareness
Actions to prevent spread
Regulation compliance
Support of AIS program
Outreach and education
 Multi-media strategies
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Traditional media
Digital advertising
Signage
Printed literature
Social media
Giveaway items
Personal contacts
 Repeated exposures
 Highlight select species
Outreach and education
 Similarities among jurisdictions
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Spend a significant portion of resources on outreach
Feel that outreach and education efforts are important
Use a variety of media to convey messages
Goals are similar
 Differences across jurisdictions
 Slogans vary slightly
 Each has their own branding
 Variability in available resources
Sampling and monitoring
 Early detection sampling
 Find new populations
 Techniques vary by species
 Focused during peak season
 Early detection use
 Regular usage
 High-risk waters
 Many waters
eDNA sampling
Plankton tow
Sampling and monitoring
 Long-term monitoring
 Keep track of populations
 Techniques vary by species
 Standard intervals
 Monitoring use
 Special use
 Infested waters
 Select waters
Lake Winnipeg zebra mussel monitoring structures
Monitoring vegetation and invertebrates
Sampling and monitoring
 Similarities among jurisdictions
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Most feel this is a very important component of the program
Relatively small amount of resources required (20% or less)
Utilize early detection and long-term monitoring
Conduct species-specific and general lake sampling
 Differences across jurisdictions
 Some jurisdictions utilize private entities – leverages resources
 Some jurisdictions have dedicated staff
Management and control
 Regulations
 Prevent new populations AND contain existing populations
 Enforce good habits (Clean, Drain, Dry)
 Target other harmful actions (releasing pets)
Law enforcement work with AIS staff to
identify needs and ensure compliance
Management and control
 Prevention
 Outreach/education very effective
 Examples of other efforts:
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Mandatory watercraft inspections
Hatchery biosecurity protocols
Bait vendor inspections
Agency disinfection protocols
Common carp barrier
 Compliance is key
Boat decontamination in Manitoba
Management and control
 Rapid response
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Prevent AIS from establishing
Plans make response more effective
Eradication or control actions – based on goal
Interjurisdictional
Response varies
Rapid response training exercise for Asian carp in Illinois
Management and control
 Control
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Mitigate for impacts
Reduce numbers, not eliminate
Delay establishment
Sections of a water or infrastructure
Treating a cove with copper sulfate to delay zebra mussel spread
Management and control
 Eradication
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Eliminate population
Many factors affect success
Whole-system
Special scenarios
Asian carp were eradicated from Lake Yankton, SD in 2014
Management and control
 Similarities among jurisdictions
 Regulations regarding bait, bait water, draining water, possession
of live AIS, releasing organisms, equipment free of AIS
 Internal agency protocols to prevent AIS spread
 Differences across jurisdictions
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In MN and MB: illegal to posses dead AIS, mandatory inspections
In ND: must remove vegetation
Attempted eradications in MB and MN for zebra mussels
Attempted control in MN for two species of plants
Research
 Uses in ANS prevention
Researching AIS detection
 Identify AIS of concern
 Develop sampling methods
 Identify management tools
 Areas of research
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Biology
Ecology
Impacts
Disinfection/eradication
techniques
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Pathways of spread
Detection techniques
Control methods
Effective outreach strategies
Research
 Emerging tools and ideas
 Research advancement
 Example 1: eDNA
 Advances in technique
 Potential for quantification
 New marker developments
 Example 2: CRISPR Cas-9
 Gene-drive technology
 All offspring inherit traits
 Pros and cons
Processing eDNA samples
Research
 Ongoing research within jurisdictions
 MN – partners with MN AIS Research Center (30+ projects)
 Identified research needs
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Feasible and effective control/eradication techniques
Impacts – ecological, sociological, and economical
Effective outreach tools
More effective monitoring tools
Program implementation
There are many factors that will impact an AIS program
 Ecological
 Economical
 Social
 Regulatory
 Fiscal
Ecological factors
 Which species are in the jurisdiction and which are in nearby
jurisdictions?
 Of those which can overwinter and become invasive?
 What are their potential impacts
 Species-specific
 Prediction difficult
Curlyleaf pondweed in North Dakota
Economical considerations
 Industry as a pathway
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Bring in novel species
Sell across landscape
Move water and AIS
Not always regulated
 Impacts to industry
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Equipment fouling
Water quality
Costs to mitigate
Regulations
Purple loosestrife was introduced as an ornamental
Social considerations
 Recreation as a pathway
 Direct contact with water – boaters, anglers, waterfowl hunters
 Indirect pathways – aquariums, water gardens, pets
 Impacts to recreation
 Ecosystem effects
 Harm to humans
 Aesthetics
Silver carp jumping in South Dakota
Regulatory considerations
 Social acceptance and compliance
 Balance resource needs and public desires
 Acceptance may affect compliance
 Ease of compliance and enforceability
 Authority/mechanism for implementation
 Limited statutory authority
 Collaboration with regulating agencies
 Processes for implementing rules
Water uses must be considered
Fiscal considerations
 Sources for funding
 Natural resource agencies – license fees
 Special use fees – boaters
 Legislative apportionments
 Prioritizing resource allocation
 Funding source stipulations
 Other considerations
Funding sources and stipulations may affect how resources are allocated in AIS programs
Inter-jurisdictional considerations
 Protecting individual boundaries
 AIS management on eco-region scale
 AIS management within jurisdiction
 Strength through collaboration
Inter-jurisdictional considerations
 Overcoming discrepancies
 Finding commonalities
 Goals
 Program components
Great Lakes region; federal
 Prioritizing areas
 Scientific research
 Population-level approach
Kansas; state
 Streamlining
 Similar messaging
 Customer service
Working across agencies and jurisdictions
Inter-jurisdictional considerations
 How legislation fits in:
 Many user groups affected
 Direct resource users – boaters, anglers, hunters
 Indirect resource users – drinking water, power generation
 Industry – rely on water for production or can impact resource
 Prevention now will save resources
 Costs to mitigate are very high
 Eradication is very expensive if even possible
 Legislation affects water resources
 Water movement
 Equipment movement
 Industries – water or organisms
Contact information
 Manitoba: Jeff Long, MB Sustainable Development
(204) 945-7792 or [email protected]
 Minnesota: Heidi Wolf, MN DNR
(651) 259-5152 or [email protected]
OR Becca Nash, MN AIS Research Center
(612) 624-7785 or [email protected]
 North Dakota: Jessica Howell, ND Game and Fish
(701) 368-8368 or [email protected]
 South Dakota: Mike Smith, SD Game, Fish, and Parks
(605) 223-7706 or [email protected]