ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
As part of our Eastern Lake Ontario Environmental DNA initiative, partners of the SLELO PRISM are utilizing underwater video technology not only as a hands-on citizen science tool but also to determine its practicality as an early detection tool. Over this past summer nine species of fish have been videotaped from four locations documenting at least one invasive species (Round Goby). Noteworthy is the capture
of two rather rare “native” species; the Bowfin (Amia calva), which is considered as primitive and the River Redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum). eDNA work has also captured a bulk of information on a total of eight native and non-native species including the common crayfish (Decapoda species).
The growing interest of public participation in scientific fieldwork includes citizen science and volunteer monitoring, in which members of the public engage in the process of scientific investigations, collecting data, and/or interpreting results. This type of organizational and citizen collaboration yields new knowledge by providing access to more and different observations and data than traditional scientific research. By utilizing volunteer citizen science teams as part of this project we intend to expand our geographic range for early detection of aquatic invasive species, engage new partnerships and demonstrate that new technologies can be effectively used in early detection efforts.
PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.
EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.
COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.
CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.
RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.
INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.
Rob Williams
PRISM Coordinator
Megan Pistolese
Outreach and Education
Brittney Rogers
Aquatic Invasive Species
Robert Smith
Terrestrial Invasive Species