What are the impacts of invasive species in lakes and rivers, and how can we best manage their adverse impacts?

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) can have major impacts on our lakes, rivers and wetlands. Researchers at the Center for Limnology conduct research on the spread, population dynamics, impact, and management of aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin and beyond. (AIS Smart Prevention Mapping Tool) We’ve conducted research on a wide range of invasive plants and animals (Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny water flea, zebra mussel, rainbow smelt, and many more). Through the North Temperate Lakes Long-Term Ecological Research (NTL-LTER) program we have documented the ‘before and after’ of species invasions and have led several whole-lake invasive species removal experiments. We’ve also led multi-lake comparative studies focused on understanding and forecasting invasive species spread and characterizing ecosystem vulnerability.
Recent publications:
Vander Zanden, M.J, A. Gorsky, G.J.A. Hansen, P.T.J. Johnson, A.W. Latzka, A. Mikulyuk, R.R. Rohwer, M.J. Spear, J.R. Walsh. 2024. Nine lessons about aquatic invasive species from the North Temperate Lakes Long-Term Ecological Research (NTL-LTER) program. BioScience 74: 509-523 PDF
Rohwer, R.R., R.J. Hale, M.J. Vander Zanden, K.D. McMahon. 2023. Species invasions shift microbial phenology in a two-decade freshwater time series. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (U.S.A.). 120(11) e2211796120. PDF
Spear, M.J., J.R. Walsh, A. Ricciardi, M.J. Vander Zanden. 2021. The invasion ecology of sleeper populations: prevalence, persistence, and abrupt shifts. BioScience 71(4) 357-369 (PDF)