GLIN==> The Nature Conservancy and the University of Notre Dame Join Forces to Address Invasive Species Threats in Great Lakes

["List Manager" <adminpst@great-lakes.net>]

Submitted by Christopher Anderson <canderson@tnc.org>


For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 14, 2006



The Nature Conservancy and the University of Notre Dame

Join Forces to Address Invasive Species Threats in Great Lakes



CHICAGO - The Nature Conservancy and the University of Notre Dame announced 
a new partnership today to address the ecological and economic damage of 
aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes.



The partnership will merge The Nature Conservancy's record of on-the-ground 
work in protecting significant conservation sites with Notre Dame's 
expertise and experience in studying aquatic invaders.



Scientists leading this initiative will be charged with identifying those 
invaders that currently exist in the Great Lakes system and those that have 
the likelihood of entering; forecasting how and where they may spread; 
determining their ecological and financial impact; and developing best 
practices for their early detection, prevention and management.



Research will focus on pathways in which invasive species are introduced or 
spread: shipping, trade, recreational boating and canals.



"We're thrilled to work with the University of Notre Dame in this important 
effort," said John Andersen, director of the Conservancy's Great Lakes 
Program. "Invasive species are an enormous threat to the Great Lakes. It is 
critical that we find ecologically and financially sound solutions."



As a result of this new agreement, Notre Dame will establish a Center for 
Aquatic Conservation directed by David Lodge, an ecologist and professor 
experienced in forecasting the introduction, spread and effect of non-native 
aquatic species.  The Center will serve as the place where scientists 
gather, analyze and distribute research.



"The Great Lakes are one of the major entryways for freshwater non-native 
species into North

America," Lodge said. "Once an invasive species is introduced to an aquatic 
system it can spread rapidly.



Preventing their introduction is therefore critical not only to the Great 
Lakes, but also to other freshwater

ecosystems. We must also contain invasive species that are already living in 
and harming our lakes, rivers and creeks."



Researchers will forecast which established invaders are likely to spread 
and which species are likely to be introduced into the Great Lakes by 
analyzing trade patterns. Statistical and computer models will be used to 
predict the effects of invasive species. Scientists will also identify areas 
in the Great Lakes that are highly vulnerable to invaders and assess 
alternative strategies to prevent the import or release of invasive species. 
Early detection and rapid response will be analyzed for their effectiveness. 
Another possible approach is to slow the spread of invaders within the Great 
Lakes, from the Great Lakes to adjacent inland waters and from adjacent 
inland waters into the Great Lakes.



"Invasive species have caused severe environmental and economic damage in 
the Great Lakes and other waterways across the U.S. and Canada," said John 
Randall, director of the Conservancy's Global Invasive Species Initiative. 
"This partnership allows us to team excellent research with a practical, 
solution-oriented approach to prevent new harmful invasions and to minimize 
the damage done by invaders that are already here in North American waters. 
We will work to advance public policy and to encourage collaborative, 
voluntary efforts with industries and other private and public 
institutions."



Research and findings that result from this partnership will serve as a 
model for other freshwater systems in the United States and internationally. 
The partnership is expected to target additional watersheds in the future 
where there are opportunities to advance policies and strategies that reduce 
the threat of invasive species.



Contact:

The Nature Conservancy

Chris Anderson, (312) 218-0186 (cell)

OR

John Andersen, (312) 759-8017 ext. 15,

(312) 953-2114 (cell), jandersen@tnc.org



The University of Notre Dame

David Lodge, (574) 631-6094, (574) 631-2849,

lodge.1@nd.edu



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The Nature Conservancy is a leading international, nonprofit organization 
that preserves plants, animals and natural communities representing the 
diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to 
survive. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have 
been responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres in the 
United States and have helped preserve more than 102 million acres in Latin 
America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific.



The University of Notre Dame is an institution dedicated to advancing 
knowledge in a search for truth through original inquiry and publication, 
graduate and professional education and research, and the constructive and 
critical engagement with the whole of human culture.  Notre Dame has a 
strong history of accomplishment in environmental research, and active 
programs on current problems including invasive species, climate change, 
water pollution, habitat management and overharvesting.

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