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...

Three researchers examining a net in a lake.

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

19. Invasive Species Research and Communication Invasive species are a leading threat to native species and biodiversity, are an important driver of global ecological and evolutionary change, restructure food webs, and have caused significant economic damage to aquatic ecosystems. This session welcomes presentations reflecting a broad array of aquatic invasive species research in aquatic ecosystems, including ecological, economic, social science, communications, education, and evaluation research. Presentations about efforts to connect invasive species research to lay audiences (community science, education, etc.) are also welcome. Chaired by: Rochelle Sturtevant, El Lower

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

A $500 cash scholarship is being provided by the Alligator Gar Technical Committee to one undergrad or graduate student. This award is intended to help cover cost for registration and travel to the 2026 SDAFS meeting in New Orleans, LA (March 5-8), annual AFS membership dues, registration and other travel-related expenses. This $500 scholarship will be awarded directly to the student and not to the student’s educational institution. A winner will be selected based on the quality of a submission containing the following items: • Cover letter highlighting research interests • Letter of recommendation • Professional biography (CV) This award is not just for those working on Alligator Gar, but also for those who are interested in research on any gar species. The scholarship recipient is expected to attend the 2026 SDAFS Alligator Gar Technical Committee meeting in New Orleans, where they will have the opportunity to meet and present their gar-related work to the committee. Think $500 isn’t enough? Stretch your dollars farther by volunteering at the SDAFS meeting to get your hotel room and registration fees waived. Please contact the Alligator Gar Committee for more details. Deadline: December 30, 2025 To apply or if you have questions, please contact: Matt Wegener (Chair-Alligator Gar Technical Committee) Email: matt.wegener@myfwc.com

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?...

Batman slapping Robin meme: because Robin is trying to talk about sharks when it’s obviously Gar Week.

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...

Picture of a MAISRC research holding up an empty native mussel shell encrusted with zebra mussels. Text says: MAISRC research projects fit into a strategic plan with input from hundreds of stakeholders across the state, and experts around the world. You can help us decide which AIS research needs should be prioritized! z.umn.edu/RNA2025

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

Two photos of researchers in a lake with AIS. Text says "Join our team", with our logo and a link: z.umn.edu/MAISRChiring

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).

Photo of zooplankton under a microscope

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...

MAISRC researcher Julia Bohnen helps showcase attendee identify invasive phragmites. Photo by Rebecca Slater.

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...

Hilarie Sorensen testing water quality with a handheld device. Text over the image reads "Water Quality Month August 2025." Credit: MNSG

💧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...

Picture of a rusty crayfish with the text: Rusty crayfish are not native to Minnesota. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming both plant and animal matter. When they invade a water system, their habit of cutting down and consuming large quantities of vegetation can significantly disrupt local food webs. There is a logo for MAISRC at the bottom.

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

AIS Questions Q: How do zebra mussels stick to surfaces? A: Zebra mussels attach to solid surfaces using strong, silky fibers that are made from proteins called byssal threads. 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?

Collage of 5 photos depicting a plant with leaves, stems and roots. One photo was taken with a stereomicroscope.

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...