Sea Grant Success Stories

Aquatic Invasive Species


Sea Grant leads the way in Addressing AIS


Sea Grant has led the way in addressing the aquatic invasive species problem including research, education and outreach efforts. Our 2000 report documenting research results and outreach efforts on 22 species in 24 states, is the largest of its kind, yet, with over 160 invasive species reported from the Great Lakes and 260 from San Francisco Bay, much more needs to be done.



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Sea Grant Hosts 1st Zebra Mussel Research Conference


Sea Grant scientists hosted the first zebra mussel research conference and led the way in the development of research, education and outreach strategies to address all invasions. These strategies include gathering information for all invasive species on their biology/life history, ecosystem effects, socioeconomic impacts, control and mitigation, and strategies to prevent future introductions and the spread of species that are already here. Our initial zebra mussel research conferences have expanded into International Conferences on Marine Bioinvasions.


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Sea Grant documents AIS threats


Sea Grant research has documented the significance of the Invasive Species threat by observing that invasive species populations can: (1) explode to 30,000 per square meter of bottom within a year of their discovery, (2) reduce the size and economic value of native fish stocks by more than 50%, and (3) change food chains and thereby increase the likelihood that humans will be exposed to toxic substances.