Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center

After analyzing 20+ years of aquatic plant surveys from lakes across Minnesota and Wisconsin (nearly 1 million sampling points!) MAISRC researchers identified clear patterns in which species are common, rare, and most likely to coexist with others. doi.org/10.1111/1365...

Applications are due this Friday for our new Externship program! Externs and MAISRC-affiliated researchers will collaboratively implement research goals to ensure scientific rigor and relevance to on-the-ground management.

z.umn.edu/m-externship

New genomic study reveals hidden pathways driving Minnesota’s zebra mussel spread Research on how and when zebra mussels spread through Minnesota is providing critical data for management and prevention.

Researchers from @umngenomics.bsky.social and MAISRC were able to infer likely source populations of zebra mussels for dozens of lakes, the first comprehensive map of zebra mussel invasions across North America generated using genomic analysis. Check it out: z.umn.edu/genomic-study

Are you a #GreatLakes #InvasiveSpecies researcher or communicator planning to attend #IAGLR26 in Winnipeg? Submit an abstract to our Session 19 by December 19! bit.ly/4nTTfxz
@iaglr.bsky.social #AIS

SCHOLARSHIP ALERT!!!
Now accepting submissions for the Alligator Gar Technical Committee Scholarship!

The cash scholarship is being provided by @alligatorgar-afs.bsky.social a student to help cover cost for attending the 2026 Southern Division @amfisheriessoc.bsky.social meeting in New Orleans🐟

Now hiring! @mnseagrant.bsky.social is looking for a student to help raise yellow perch and golden shiner in their indoor aquaculture lab. If you’re interested in hands-on fish culture and research support, this position could be a great fit. Apply today! seagrant.umn.edu/articles/202...

NEW episode of MeatEater Podcast chatting gars & native fish conservation!

Grateful for the opportunity to chat stewardship of freshwater natural resources with Steve Rinella and the hunting & fishing crew! youtu.be/xLDSV5qbyzw?...

Sorry not sorry 😅

via Gar Week fan👍

New tool in fight against Great Lakes invasive species: muskrats  - Bridge Michigan In the battle against invasive species, the common muskrat may be an unsung hero. A new study done in the UP by scientists from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Loyola University and…

The lowly muskrat could be an unexpected ally in the push against aquatic invasive plants:

Registration for our Research and Management Showcase closes tomorrow at midnight! Don't miss this one, there's so much to learn! z.umn.edu/AIS2025 (Underwater photo by Naomi Blinick)

Scientists look for cause of spike in swimmer’s itch plaguing Minnesota lakes The itchy red rash is caused by tiny parasites in the water that can burrow into human skin. Researchers are looking at whether certain waterfowl, invasive species or warming lakes could be factors.

Our own Amanda Schuermann met up with @kirstimarohn.bsky.social last week to talk about AIS and swimmer's itch:
www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...

Share your thoughts on aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Minnesota!

Whether you're a professional in the field, a property owner, or someone who cares about Minnesota's lakes, you can participate in a quick survey about future AIS research needs.
Closes on Monday: z.umn.edu/RNA2025

We are hiring! Join us as an Administrative & Communications Assistant and be part of our collaborative, mission-driven team at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul.

Applications are open through October 10, 2025.
Learn more and apply: z.umn.edu/MAISRCHiring (Job ID #370278).

What can tiny crustaceans like zooplankton tell us about AIS management success? To find out, get your ticket to the 2025 AIS Research and Management Showcase! 💧

z.umn.edu/AIS2025

Scientists wonder if Lake Superior can continue to avoid an invasion of mussels Lake Superior is the lone holdout in a mussel invasion that has overtaken every other Great Lake.

MAISRC researcher Diane Waller is quoted in this article about zebra mussels: www.kare11.com/article/news...

From prevention strategies to new control methods, the AIS Research and Management Showcase brings together scientists, natural resource managers, and Minnesotans who care about healthy lakes and rivers.

Join us on October 9, 2025: z.umn.edu/AIS2025

Apple Valley Natural Resources Plant Transplant - August 2025 YouTube video by City of Apple Valley

Let's catch up with grad student Abha Panda as she investigates how native plants can support a healthy lake after AIS treatment: youtube.com/shorts/3Uysp...

💧August is #WaterQualityMonth!

From drinking to swimming and fishing, we all depend on clean water—every day.

Follow us this month as we spotlight how #Minnesota Sea Grant supports clean water in the Land of 10,000+ lakes (+ one really big lake).🌊🧪

#CleanWaterMN #GreatLakes #WaterSky

Iconic whitefish on edge of collapse as Great Lakes biodiversity crisis deepens | Bridge Michigan Few fish are as synonymous with Michigan as whitefish. Pushed to the edge by invasive species, their struggle is the tip of a cataclysmic species collapse that could change our way of life.

Quote: "Invasive mussels at the bottom of the lakes have filtered away microorganisms, leaving behind crystal-clear waters that are a veritable desert for whitefish."

Quagga mussels have siphoned off energy from the food web, leaving planktivorous fish to go hungry.
www.bridgemi.com/michigan-env...

Submit an anonymous question about aquatic invasive species for our new column: you may see your answer in our next newsletter! z.umn.edu/Q-A

❓Ask the experts! Do you have a specific question about aquatic invasive species?

MAISRC is launching a new column in our newsletter with answers to your pressing questions about AIS. Submit your questions here: z.umn.edu/Q-A

Once a teacher, always a teacher Penny Stiles educates as an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Detector.

We have some really awesome volunteers as part of our programs here at @umnextension.bsky.social and @maisrc.bsky.social!
extension.umn.edu/natural-reso...

Common carp find their food in the lake bed, kicking up the sediment when they eat. This can lead to declines in native plant, fish diversity and impaired water quality. The fewer carp in the lake, the better quality of the water and native plants/fish.

Common carp find their food in the lake bed, kicking up the sediment when they eat. This can lead to declines in native plant, fish diversity and impaired water quality. The fewer carp in the lake, th... Common carp find their food in the lake bed, kicking up the sediment when they eat. This can lead to declines in native plant, fish diversity and impaired water quality. The fewer carp in the lake,...

Lab to Lakes is a research & management project; how does a lake respond once common carp are reduced to a manageable level (below 100kg/ha)? To find out, the team from Carp Solutions are removing common carp from Lake Fremont! See how they do it in this Facebook reel focused on box netting:

Did you know that dogs can be trained to detect aquatic invasive species? www.twincities.com/2025/06/14/d...

@meganweber.bsky.social?

ID Help: This specimen was found in a stormwater management pond (SWMP) in Ontario. It was found at 1-m depth, but given the dynamic water-levels of SWMPs, it could be an emergent plant rather than a submergent (which is what we are focused on). TIA for ID help. Cc @jolatimore.bsky.social

"Because federal law requires NOAA to monitor harmful algal blooms, the cuts may run against legal obligations, several current and former workers told @propublica.org. The blooms program was “federally mandated to be active every single day, without exception”"

#GreatLakes

MAISRC's quantitative ecologist, Alex Bajcz, is giving a free talk tomorrow night about invasive species. Check it out! 7-8pm, St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Avenue. www.sapbla.org/may-2025

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Webinar: Mercury Rising: How Zebra Mussels are Changing Fish Contaminants. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webina... Zebra mussels are invasive species that can reshape entire lake ecosystems, with surprising and far-reaching effects. Researchers have discovered that zebra mussels—well-known for clogging pipes and o...

One @maisrc.bsky.social research team found that in lakes invaded by zebra mussels, fish were up to 72% higher in mercury—reaching risky levels at smaller sizes compared to lakes without zebra mussels. This project will be featured in our August webinar. Register here👇
umn.zoom.us/webinar/regi...