Aquatic invasive species (AIS) can pose significant threats to fish and wildlife and their habitats. AIS can displace native aquatic species through predation and competition for food and space. AIS can also transmit botulism to waterfowl, and degrade habitat by removal of aquatic vegetation. Local and regional economies are severely affected with control costs exceeding $123 billion annually, which also includes clearing obstructive AIS from municipal water supply pipes and intake screens, as well as from recreational waters.
The Ashland NFWCO has focused its efforts on preventing introductions of new AIS, early detection monitoring followed by rapid response to detection of new invasives, monitoring of fish communities inhabited by established invasives, providing coordination and technical assistance to organizations that respond to invasive species problems, and developing comprehensive, integrated plans to prevent and/or delay the spread of potentially threatening AIS.
Goals: Risks of aquatic invasive species (AIS) are substantially reduced, and their economic, ecological, and human health impacts are minimized. The spread of ruffe, round gobies and zebra mussels through the Great Lakes is delayed and they are prevented from entering new inland lakes and watersheds.
Aquatic Invasive Species Activities of concern to the Ashland NFWCO
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What are Invasive Species? Region 3 AIS Home Page
Alpena Fisheries Resources Office (Aquatic Invasive Species).
Aquatic Invasive Species have been entering the Great Lakes at an increasing rate since the turn of the century. There are at least 139 non-indigenous aquatic species that have become established in the Great Lakes since the early 1800's, mainly though ship related introductions and accidental releases from bait, aquarium, and aquaculture.Invasivespecies.gov
This site is the gateway to Federal efforts concerning invasive species. On this site you can learn about the impacts of invasive species and the Federal government's response, as well as read select species profiles and find links to agencies and organizations dealing with invasive species issues. Invasivespecies.gov is also the Web site for the National Invasive Species Council, which coordinates Federal responses to the problem.
National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC): gateway to invasive species information; covering Federal, State, local, and international sources.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Invasive Species Page
Invasive species are infiltrators that invade ecosystems beyond their historic range. Their invasion threatens native ecosystems or commercial, agricultural, or recreational activities dependent on these ecosystems. They may even harm the health of humans. This page contains information about invasive species, plus Injurious Wildlife Species Rulings.Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas
This site provides a compiled national list of invasive plants infesting natural areas throughout the U.S., background information on the problem of invasive species, illustrated fact sheets that include plant descriptions, native range, distribution and habitat in the U.S., management options, suggested alternative native plants, and other information, and selected links to relevant people and organizations.
The Ashland NFWCO welcomes questions or comments about fish and wildlife resources or about the programs of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Members of the staff are available for presentations to schools, civic groups, and others interested in fish and wildlife resources.
