State and Regional Outreach

AIS HACCP Education
The AIS HACCP program helps aquaculture, hatchery and baitfish harvesting and transport industries reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species. Michigan Sea Grant extension educators collaborate with partners to develop and lead invasive species HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) education programs across the country. As a result of training, more than 200 state, federal and tribal hatchery managers, private baitfish and aquaculture producers as well as state and private veterinarians from 15 states are developing AIS HACCP plans for their facilities.

Partners:
Minnesota Sea Grant

Habitattitude Campaign
The Habitattitude campaign encourages aquarium hobbyists, backyard pond owners, water gardeners and others to help avoid new introductions of aquatic invasive species by not releasing unwanted plants or animals into the environment. Habitattitude materials are currently displayed in aquarium stores, aquatic retail outlets, hobby magazines and nursery and landscape businesses across the country.

See: www.habitattitude.net

Partners:
Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)
Great Lakes Sea Grant Network
NOAA
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Information Services
Michigan Sea Grant provides research-based information and referrals about aquatic invasive species to a variety of audiences including journalists, legislators, lake associations, boaters, researchers, private businesses, and others who request assistance. Topics include biology of invasive species, impacts on water use and Great Lakes ecology, AIS management, as well as strategies to prevent AIS introduction and spread. Michigan Sea Grant also compiles data on AIS sightings within the State.

Contact: Carol Swinehart

NOAA National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species (NCRAIS)
Aquatic invasive species are a global threat that affects the economic security, management, and beneficial uses of our coastal ecosystems. In order to maximize the benefits and effectiveness of NOAA’s research investments towards understanding, preventing, responding to, and managing aquatic species invasions in U.S. coastal ecosystems, the agency established the NOAA National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species, at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

See: NCRAIS

Rapid Response Plan for Hydrilla
Michigan Sea Grant and partners are collaborating to raise awareness of the potential for spread of the invasive plant Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) to Michigan waterways. The plant has clogged waterways in many southern states and has recently been identified in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maine. In 2004, Michigan’s governor-appointed Aquatic Nuisance Species Council organized a Hydrilla Task Force, which developed the state’s first aquatic invasive species rapid response plan. Michigan Sea Grant representatives on the Hydrilla Task Force have developed a volunteer Hydrilla Hunt program to enlist citizen participation in detecting this invasive plant before it gains a foothold in the state’s waterways.

Partners:
Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species
Great Lakes National Program Office
Michigan State University (inland lake specialist)
Michigan Office of the Great Lakes