Response To Great Lakes Aquatic Invaders Exercise

Jul 29: Over 30 representatives of local, state and Federal government agencies and community groups will test their readiness to respond to aquatic invaders in the Great Lakes in a three day exercise in Presque Isle Bay, PA., starting July 29. Participants will exercise on the water on July 30. This is the first time that the U.S. EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office has brought together a variety of groups in such an exercise. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is hosting the pilot exercise which may be repeated elsewhere in the Great Lakes and other watersheds. Gary Gulezian, Director of the Great Lakes National Program Office said, "The Great Lakes ecosystem is a priceless natural resource and this exercise is helping ensure that we are ready to protect it. Pennsylvania is demonstrating how all levels of government can work together to pool their resources and prevent new invaders from becoming established. "

During the exercise, participants will trawl for fish and practice using fish electroshocking equipment to prepare for a real-life situation where these techniques could be used to confirm the presence of an invasive species. By working together in an exercise, agencies will learn ways they can combine assets and overcome jurisdictional barriers to respond quickly to the introduction of harmful aquatic species.

Access a release from EPA Region 5 (click here). Access more information about invasive aquatic species in the Great Lakes from EPA (click here).