U of M hosting showcase to inform and educate about AIS

Hundreds will gather today at the St. Paul Student Center to attend the 2014 Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research and Management Showcase, co-sponsored by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) and University of Minnesota Extension.

At the showcase, participants will get an inside-look at the MAISRC lab space and facilities, have the opportunity to hear from scientists about their latest research, and gain insights for working on AIS issues in their communities.

“This event is a terrific opportunity for AIS managers, lake association members, watershed district members, anglers, and other interested people to visit our research facilities, learn more about the research being done here at MAISRC, and gain some practical skills for applying this new knowledge,” said Dr. Susan Galatowitsch, MAISRC Director.

Showcase attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with faculty and researchers as they share the latest updates about their work, including demonstrations of the methods used in their research to prevent and control common carp, Asian carps, zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and other aquatic invasive species.

From watershed districts to lake associations to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, aquatic invasive species professionals from across the state will be in attendance. Attendees will represent Aitkin, Grand Rapids, Winona, Duluth, Bemidji, Rochester, Ely, and other cities statewide.

“We are hearing from our local partners that University resources are needed to help with AIS efforts,” said Susanne Hinrichs, Extension Regional Director, Northeast. “The Showcase was designed for these partners to learn about things ranging from the basics of invasive plant identification, to new opportunities for citizen engagement in zebra mussel monitoring, to the latest on the Center’s research.”

Please visit www.maisrc.umn.edu to learn more about the research being done at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center.

MAISRC is dedicated to using innovative science to identify biologically and economically sound solutions to Minnesota’s AIS problems. Current research projects include using eDNA to measure densities of invasive carps, developing pheromones and Judas fish techniques to control invasive carps, determining pathways of zebra mussel spread, investigating biocontrol of Eurasian watermilfoil, and more. Funding for MAISRC is provided by private donations, the Clean Water Fund, and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.