Invasive Species in the Great Lakes

Ships use ballast water for better stability, balance, and safety. Further, waterway connections such as Mississippi River and Chicago Canal permits invasive species to enter Great Lakes. These species are inclusive of but not limited to quagga mussel, alewife, zebra mussel, round goby, purple loosestrife, Asian Carp, frogbit, Eurasian watermilfoil, as well as lamprey. The Ecosystem Impacts These species have profound and lasting impacts on the ecosystem. They have adverse consequences not only on the economy but health and wellbeing of people who rely on food, water and recreational activities such as water sports. Cleaning ballast water is also crucial and necessary. Saltwater flushing reduces the likelihood of new foreign invaders. Control Strategies and Mitigation Efforts It is, however, challenging to control the spread of the invasive species once they are established, and it consequently makes prevention countermeasure cost-effective approach by dealing with organisms that have not yet invaded or became established in Great Lakes.

As a result, comprehensive detection as well as tracking newly identified species in the Great Lakes and offering up to date critical information that is crucial for decision making for examining potential rapid response activities (Connelly, Lauber, Stedman & Knuth, 2016). Detecting and eradicating new species before they get a foothold in the Great Lakes is vital in control. The last line of defense is electric barriers. Most states are constructing a permanent electric fence to prevent entry of invaders. The government is also introducing harsh legislative policies towards invasive species based on scientifically-defensible methods. Risk assessment tools which evaluate and examines if the invasive species released is likely to become a nuisance are used too. Future Steps for Effective Management of the Invasive Species Managing the invasive species is a primary challenge.

From toxic materials such as metal components, chlorinated pesticides, these poisons are made in such a way that they only impact the foreign organism. Additionally, some of the invaders occasionally avoid odor omitted by decaying conspecifics. Hence application of migratory pheromone is used in invasive species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is used to monitors, estimate occupancy as well as detect real-time invasive species. Its use has expanded rapidly, and they are successful at early detection and eradication of invasive species. Movement of these tools from one water body to the next should be regulated. Not only large boats but also jet skis, wave runners, canoes, kayaks. Consequently, Inspection and cleaning of such tools are essential. Improving active community and government surveillance programs and disseminating be enhanced.