Resources on aquatic invasive species prevention, detection, response and control efforts across the Great Lakes Basin are provided here as additional background to further inform strategic decision-making.
GLANSIS is an inter-agency, Great Lakes-specific database for Aquatic Nonindigenous Species (ANS) information.
The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database is an information resource for the United States Geological Survey. Located at Gainesville, Florida, this site has been established as a central repository for spatially referenced biogeographic accounts of introduced aquatic species. The program provides scientific reports, online/realtime queries, spatial data sets, distribution maps, and general information. The data are made available for use by biologists, interagency groups, and the general public. The geographical coverage is the United States.
The GLRI Phragmites Decision Support Tool (DST) Mapper is intended to provide resource managers with information to strategically develop effective Phragmites control and invasion prevention programs in the Great Lakes coastal zone (10 km inland from the shoreline). The Mapper consists of three integrated components: A distribution map of large (> 0.2 ha) stands of existing Phragmites. A map of estimated Phragmites habitat suitability based on current environmental conditions.
This action-based, strategic plan updates the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's "Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Management Plan," which was written in 1993. A draft version of the plan was released for public comment from October 29 - December 15, 2014. The final plan includes a summary of the nearly 300 comments received during the public review process. The plan includes more than 50 actions designed to address prevention, detection, and response to aquatic invasive species.
The actions recommended in this State Management Plan (SMP) are designed to be effective in preventing both the entry of new organisms into Ohio waters and the transfer and spread of organisms among and within water bodies in the state. This SMP also aims to minimize the impacts of invasive species on the environment, economy, and society and to protect and maintain biodiversity, industry, and recreational opportunities.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) proactively established an agency-wide Invasive Species Team to develop and implement the DCNR Invasive Species Management Plan. The plan, based on results of two surveys administered to DCNR land managers and program staff (2004 and 2010), provides broad strategies and recommendations for invasive species prevention, survey and detection, and control. It also addresses appropriate habitat restoration, staff training and public outreach and education.
Developed annually since 2010, the action plan is designed to prevent the spread of invasive Asian carp in the Great Lakes. The action plan incorporates advances in the most current science making it a continually evolving foundation for the work of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee partnership — a collaboration of 27 U.S. and Canadian federal, state, and provincial agencies and organizations.
The Indiana Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan identifies feasible, cost-effective management practices and measures to be taken on by state and local programs to prevent and control ANS infestations in a manner that is environmentally sound.
In 2009, the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation initiated the formation of the Great Lakes Ballast Water Collaborative, in conjunction with the International Joint Commission, to bring together industry and state and federal regulators on the issue of ballast water and invasive species in the region. One of the primary goals of the Collaborative is to share relevant, useful, and accurate information and foster better communication and collaboration among the key stakeholders engaged in the effort to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species.