Outreach

Patrice M. Charlebois and Kristin M. TePas

Eurasian zebra mussels blanketing a river bottom, Asian silver carp leaping from the water, Brazilian water hyacinth choking-out native plants.......sounds like some bizarre museum exhibit.

Unfortunately these are actual examples of aquatic invasive species now in Illinois waters. In fact, a total of 89 species have been introduced into Illinois through a variety of pathways including recreational water users and the bait fish, plant and pet industries. Most of these species have had negative ecological and/or economic impacts. To avoid similar future impacts, we must prevent the introduction of new invasive species and limit the spread of those already established. This can be done largely through outreach to individuals associated with each pathway. In partnership with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we are addressing several pathways through a variety of outreach activities and informational tools originating from our Lake Michigan Biological Station.