Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Invasive species like the sea lamprey can cause significant environmental and economic damage.
Aquatic Invasive Species…
- Are non-native plants, animals, and pathogens
- Live primarily in water
- Thrive in a new environment
- Cause economic loss, environmental damage, and harm to human health
Thanks to the statewide cooperation of citizens, recreationalists, tourism industries, businesses, and agencies, less than 1% of Minnesota’s waters are infested with AIS like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. With 15,000 lakes, thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and acres of wetlands to protect, Minnesotans recognize the importance of acting to prevent and slow the spread of the state’s current and potential AIS.
87 non-native species have been detected in Lake Superior, continued…
Featured Information
- A Field Guide to Aquatic Invaders
- This guide is designed to help water recreationalists recognize these exotics and help stop their further spread.
- The Mystery of the Missing Smelt
- Many factors have been playing into the fluctuation of the smelt population.
- Zebra Mussels Threaten Inland Waters: An Overview
- Zebra mussels were first discovered in the Great Lakes in 1988. Within one year, zebra mussels colonized nearly every firm object in Lake Erie. Zebra mussels quickly spread to all the Great Lakes.
- Sea Lamprey: The Battle Continues
- Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) have caused significant damage to the Great Lakes. Learn about sea lamprey, their impacts on the fishery and various methods that have proven remarkably successful in controling sea lamprey populations over the years.
- Rusty Crayfish: A Nasty Invader
- Rusty crayfish have invaded portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ontario, and many other areas.
- Round Gobies Invade North America
- The round goby was discovered in the St. Clair River, the channel connecting Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair, in 1990. Since then, they have been found in the Great Lakes and are increasingly threatening navive species and ecosystems.
- Ruffe: A New Threat to Our Fisheries
- The ruffe (pronounced rough), is a small but aggressive fish species native to Eurasia. It was introduced into Lake Superior in the mid-1980s in the ballast water of an ocean-going vessel.
- Non-native Species in Lake Superior
- A comprehensive listing of non-native species in Lake Superior, including statistics on why and how they are in the Lake.
- Purple Loosestrife: What You Should Know, What You Can Do
- Purple loosestrife is a very hardy perennial which can rapidly degrade wetlands, diminishing their value for wildlife habitat.
Featured Initiatives
- By following a simple procedure each time we leave the water, we can stop aquatic hitchhikers.
- Aquatic Invasive Species – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (AIS-HACCP) is a method to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species via aquaculture, fish stocking, wild baitfish harvest and resource management, research, and enforcement activities.
- Adopt a conservation mentality. Protect our environment by not releasing unwanted fish and aquatic plants.
- We hosted this first annual conference in Duluth in an effort to help protect Minnesota's legendary lands and waters.
- Aquatic Invasive Species & Water Gardening
- Information and materials to help water gardeners prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
- Interactive AIS Quiz
- Test your knowledge with 20 questions about Aquatic Invasive Species in Lake Superior.
See Also
- Resources for Educators
- Minnesota Sea Grant offeres a variety of materials you can use in your classroom to enable learning about and understanding aquatic invasive species.
- Superior Science News
- A radio series about Lake Superior research.
Doug Jensen
