early detection

Learn more about MAISRC's research projects on detecting AIS by clicking on their title below. Click here to learn about MAISRC research projects on control and management of AIS and preventing the establishment of AIS. Funding for these projects is provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative – Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), unless otherwise noted.

Current projects:

Early detection of zebra mussels using multibeam sonar – Jessica Kozarek

A novel technology for eDNA collection and concentration – Abdennour Abbas

What’s in your bucket? Quantifying AIS introduction risk – Nick Phelps

Sustaining walleye populations: assessing impacts of AIS – Gretchen Hansen

Eurasian and hybrid watermilfoil genotype distribution in Minnesota – Ray Newman

Attracting carp so their presence can be accurately assessed – Peter Sorensen

Characterizing long-term spiny waterflea impacts using paleolimnology data – Donn Branstrator

Citizen science and professional training programs to support AIS response – Dan Larkin

Completed projects:

Ecology and biology of invasive hybrid watermilfoil in northern tier waterbodies – Dan Larkin

Determining heterosporis threats to inform prevention, management, and control – Paul Venturelli


Zebra, quagga, and native mussel research efforts on the St. Croix Scenic Riverway and Apostle Islands – Mike McCartney


Determining the ability of two approaches to measure eDNA to quantify the abundance of common carp in lakes – Peter Sorensen

Testing whether carp can be located using Judas fish: locate aggregating fish so they might be tracked and/or removed – Peter Sorensen

Establishing and implementing eDNA as a molecular technique to assess the presence of Asian carp in large rivers – Peter Sorensen

Developing and testing a new molecular assay for early detection of zebra mussel veligers – Mike McCartney

Risk analysis to identify AIS control priorities and methods – David Andow

Creation of survey and monitoring protocols; studying the effectiveness of zebra mussel pesticide treatment efforts – Mike McCartney

Screening for VHS in Minnesota waters – Nick Phelps