Lake Michigan Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection and Monitoring Program

Aquatic invasive Species (AIS) pose one of the greatest threats to Great Lakes biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Management and control of AIS can be difficult and expensive, with yearly costs in the Great Lakes Region exceeding $200 million. The early detection of new invaders can reduce potential impacts and increase the likelihood of control efforts. The U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, in collaboration with partners from agencies, academia, and non-profit groups, has developed and implemented a program for early detection and monitoring of aquatic invasive species lake wide. The monitoring program employs both traditional and non-traditional (e.g., environmental DNA) sampling methods to detect new AIS.