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Invasive Species
Council of Great Lakes Governor’s Priority:
“Stop the introduction and spread of non-native aquatic invasive species.”
Aquatic invasive species are non-native fish, aquatic animals, and plants that have been introduced into the Great Lakes
systems and threaten the ecological integrity and economic future of the Great Lakes region. The impacts from these
invaders to the ecosystem and economy are real. Zebra mussels clog water intake pipes costing millions of dollars
annually in maintenance costs. Aquatic invasive species compete with native species for food and habitat. Because
there are no natural predators to keep them in check, they have a distinct advantage over native species. In many
cases, their population explodes after just a few short years and they can dramatically alter the ecosystem.
Once in the system, it is almost impossible to eliminate these invaders. The best strategy is to prevent them from entering the system in the first place. In the fall of 2004, the United States Congress authorized $6,825,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct an electric dispersal barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The barrier is designed to prevent Asian carp from moving through the canal, into Lake Michigan and ultimately throughout the entire Great Lakes Basin. Ship ballast water is believed to be the main vehicle for introducing aquatic invasive species and many are seeking stronger regulations for controlling ballast water before it reaches the Great Lakes system.
Efforts to address management issues of aquatic invasive species can be seen at all levels of government. The Wisconsin DNR has established an Invasive Species Team to help guide and organize the Department’s efforts on invasive species and report to and advise the guidance team on invasive species issues. The Council of Great Lakes Governors launched the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force in 2001. The goal of this Task Force is to stop the further introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into the Great Lakes.
For more information on aquatic invasive species please visit these web sites:
- DRAFT Wisconsin Great Lakes Strategy
- Great Lakes Regional Collaboration - Aquatic Invasive
Strategy Team
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Invasive Species web site
- Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Management Plan To Prevent Further Introductions and Control Existing Populations of Aquatic Invasive Species 2003
- Wisconsin Council on Invasive
Species
- Council of Great Lakes Governors/Aquatic
Invasive Species Task Force
- National Aquatic Invasive Species
Act
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