Announcing seven new research projects

MAISRC is excited to announce seven new research projects that launched this summer. These projects were selected as part of a competitive proposal process following a comprehensive research needs assessment. The results of these projects will improve our ability to detect, prevent, and manage aquatic invasive species throughout Minnesota. The projects include:

• Copper-based control: zebra mussel settlement and non-target impacts
  This project will evaluate the efficacy of low-dose copper treatments to control populations of zebra mussel veligers and suppress their settlement, and evaluate the effects of these treatments on native aquatic animals and algal biomass. Led by James Luoma.
• A novel technology for eDNA collection and concentration
  This project will develop a novel aquatic eDNA collection and concentration technology for more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective screening for AIS as well as native and endangered species. Led by Abdennour Abbas.
• Early detection of zebra mussels using multibean sonar
  This project will test the utility of swath mapping systems such as multibeam sonar for detecting and quantifying the abundance of invasive mussels at a very large scale. Led by Jessica Kozarek.
• AIS management: an eco-economic analysis of ecosystem services
  This project will predict the economic and ecological repercussions of using AIS prevention and control initiatives by quantifying and analyzing the ecological and economic value of AIS damages and management. Led by Amit Pradhananga.
• Updating an invasive fish and native fish passage model for locks and dams
  This project will create an updated version of the Computational Fluid Dynamics Agent-Based fish passage model using new field data to improve the prevention of invasive carp while allowing native fish to pass through Mississippi River locks and dams. Led by Anvar Gilmanov.
• Genetic method for the control of invasive fish species
  This project will demonstrate a novel biocontrol method called Synthetic Genetic Incompatibility for controlling invasive species, using common carp as a proof-of-concept. Led by Michael Smanski.
• What’s in your bucket? Quantifying AIS introduction risk
  This project will assess the risk of introduction of important fish pathogens through the recreational use of baitfish. Led by Nick Phelps.

MAISRC is proud that these projects bring in experts from diverse fields to build capacity and help solve AIS problems for Minnesota, including scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, the College of Biological Sciences, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, the Department of Forest Resources, and the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering.