Introduced

When starry stonewort was first discovered in a Wisconsin lake, alarm set in—officials scrambled, residents feared the worst, and drastic measures were taken. But ten years later, an unexpected truth has emerged: sometimes, the best response to an invasive species is to do less, not more. In this episode, we unravel the science behind how humans react to new invaders, challenge fear-based messaging, and explore the power of waiting and watching.Looking for ways to tone down your language around aquatic invasive species? Here are some helpful phrases created by our guest Jeanne Scherer:Non-native species are known to have varying degrees of impacts depending on the specific waterbody they are found in, and in some cases are able to integrate into a waterbody to the extent where actual documented impacts are minimal and active management may not be necessary. Reporting invasive species is a first step in containing their spread. Maintaining and restoring our waters and landscapes can reduce the impacts even when we don’t have other management options to an invasive species.Transcript available here.Special thanks to our guests:Paul Skawinski, UW-Stevens Point Extension LakesTom Reck, former Little Muskego Lake District chairpersonBret Shaw, University of Wisconsin-Extension, University of Wisconsin-MadisonJeanne Scherer, University of Wisconsin-Extension and University of Wisconsin-MadisonLearn more:Starry stonewortTesting Emphasis Message Frames and Metaphors on Social Media to Engage Boaters to Learn about Preventing the Spread of Zebra MusselsIs the cure worse than the disease? Comparing the ecological effects of an invasive aquatic plant and the herbicide treatments used to control itCommonly Rare and Rarely Common: Comparing Population Abundance of Invasive and Native Aquatic SpeciesPredicting preferences for chemical treatment of aquatic invasive species and implications for outreach

Today, we’re airing a bonus episode from Points North, a podcast about the land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes from Interlochen Public Radio.Invasive species often spread by hitching a ride on anglers, especially anglers who don’t clean their gear after fishing. Though this is widely known, research suggests many anglers still don’t clean, even though it protects the very thing they’re after – fish. So, can anything be done to change their minds? Hear about New Zealand Mudsnail in Michigan.Transcript available here.CreditsProducer / Host: Dan WanschuraEditor: Morgan SpringerMusic: Fifteen Street, Our Only Lark, Silent Ocean, and Sweeper by Blue Dot Sessions

How can art help communicate invasive species science? Today, we’ll meet an artist on a journey to turn some thrifted fabric into a biocontrol bug that is larger than life!TranscriptSpecial thanks to our guests:Astrid Hooper Loften, Artist, UW-Madison’24Jeanne Scherer, University of Wisconsin-Extension and University of Wisconsin-MadisonLearn more:The FLOW Project Astrid’s Cella Beetle ProjectTim’s tentInformation about purple loosestrife biocontrol

Introduced is back for Season 3! In this episode, we explore the names we use for invasive species. How do species get their names? And what real-life consequences can these names bring?Transcript available here.Special thanks to our guests:Tyler Muller, North Carolina State UniversityEl Lower, Michigan Sea GrantSam Chan, Oregon Sea GrantMegan Weber, Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and University of Minnesota ExtensionLearn more:Tyler Muller’s research on pirate perchWhat's in a Name? Do Species' Names Impact Student Support for Conservation? (2012)Alien Language: Reflections on the Rhetoric of Invasion Biology (El Lower and Tim Campbell)Asian hate crimes spiking during pandemicGreat Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System (GLANSIS)Invasive Species Language Workshop Designed to Get People TalkingCommunicating About Aquatic Invasive SpeciesMegan’s article Invasive Species Common Names: Working Towards More Inclusive Invasive Species Education and OutreachChinese mitten crabsAsian murder hornet

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Introduced will be returning for a new season in 2024! But in the meantime, we're sharing a fascinating, fishy episode from our friends at Points North, an award-winning podcast about the land, water and inhabitants of the Great Lakes.In October 1960, Prince Akihito of Japan visited Chicago for 21 hours. Chicago’s mayor presented the prince with a diplomatic gift: 18 bluegill. What happened next would change the underwater world of Japan forever.

Today, we’re introducing a new podcast from Wisconsin Sea Grant called The Water We Swim In, which features stories about the Great Lakes and the people working toward equity.On “Hidden Currents,” Bonnie Willison and Hali Jama dive beneath the water to explore why Black children are drowning more than any other race, why marginalized communities often lack access to swimming pools, and how to stay safe in the water. We hear about the alarming trend facing swimming pools in cities across the nation, relive a fight to save one Milwaukee pool, and walk the shores of Lake Michigan with the Beach Ambassador program. Join us as Brenda Coley, Jumana Tanner, Cheryl Bledsoe, Sally Callan, and Deidre Peroff discuss how racism, segregation and redlining has taken away Black people’s access to water and, essentially, the right to swim.Find The Water We Swim In here

Today, on the last episode of season two, we’re talking about climate change, which threatens to upend everything western science understands about native and invasive species.   First, we join the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission climate change team as they carefully observe the seasonal relationships between all the beings in the forest. Then we talk to the Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu team, who are helping tribal nations find ways to assert their knowledge and adapt to climate change. Finally, we step back 20,000 years to see what paleoecology can teach us about how species move as the climate changes.  Thank you to our guests Rob Croll, Hannah Panci, Sara Smith, Jerry Jondreau and Jack Williams.  GLIFWC’s Climate Change Program  - http://glifwc.org/ClimateChange/ GLIFWC’s Phenology study  - http://glifwc.org/ClimateChange/PhenologyStudy.html Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad - A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu  - http://www.nicrn.org/tribal-climate-adaptation-menu.html More on climate change impacts in Wisconsin  - https://wicci.wisc.edu/wisconsin-climate-trends-and-projections/

This week, we dive deep into two news stories that flew under the public’s radar. In the summer of 2020, individuals all over the country started receiving random packages of unsolicited and unidentified seeds. In the spring of 2021, pet stores around the country found that the moss balls on their shelves carried a notorious aquatic hitchhiker. On this episode, we talk to some of the people who devoted months of their lives to dealing with these first-of-their-kind international crises.  Special thanks to our guests Christopher Deegan, Wesley Daniels, Amy Kretlow and Amy McGovern.  Report a nonindigenous aquatic species - https://nas.er.usgs.gov/SightingReport.aspx Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database - USGS - https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/default.aspx Destroy! Don’t dump! - Zebra Mussel Disposal - https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/zebra-mussel-disposal.html Hungry pests - Leave hungry pests behind - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/hungrypests Zebra mussels - https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/our-work/focus-areas/ais/invasive-species/invasive-species-fact-sheets/mollusks/zebra-mussels/ Quagga mussels - https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/our-work/focus-areas/ais/invasive-species/invasive-species-fact-sheets/mollusks/quagga-mussel/

On August 27, 2009, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources gets a call about small lobsters crawling around a neighborhood pond in Germantown. The extent of the problem is more than anyone bargained for.Thanks to our guestsTim Campbell, Wisconsin Sea GrantPete Jopke, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesTim Zabel, initial sighterHeidi Bunk, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesScott Van Egeren, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesDoug and Mary, Esquire Estates residentsJake Vander Zanden, University of Wisconsin-MadisonErin Vennie-Vollrath, (former) University of Wisconsin-MadisonChris Hamerla, Golden Sands Resource Conservation & DevelopmentStephanie Peay, Independent crayfish researcherRead moreRed Swamp Crayfish

The miniscule Spiny waterflea was introduced into Madison’s Lake Mendota and lurked undetected for years. This hour, Bonnie and Sydney take a new look at a well-studied lake and try to figure out how an introduced species can float below science’s radar for so long.Thanks to our guestsJake Walsh, Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesDick Lathrop, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMike Spear, University of Wisconsin-MadisonRead moreStudy: Stories of Invasive Species Often Begin with Undetected “Sleeper Populations”Too Hot? Too Cold? Just Right? Lakes Sharing the Same Climate Can Be Worlds Apart for Invasive SpeciesForget “Needle in a Haystack.” Try Finding an Invasive Species in a LakeTiny Invasive Species Eats Enough to Devour an Entire CityWhat Lies Beneath: Sudden Invasion of a Wisconsin Lake Wasn’t So Sudden After All

Wild rice faces challenges like introduced species, pollution, habitat destruction and climate change. We learn how the Sokaogon Chippewa Community cares for this wonderfully resilient being. Opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.Thanks to our guestsSarah Dance, (former) Wisconsin Sea GrantMelonee Montano, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife CommissionNathan Podany, Sokaogon Chippewa CommunityPeter McGeshick III, Sokaogon Chippewa CommunityRead moreRead More About Sarah Dance’s ResearchSokaogon Chippewa CommunityManoomin Education and Outreach Toolkit

Sydney debriefs Bonnie on what it was like to filet her very first fish, which happened to be a silver carp.Read moreCooking Silver Carp

Canines Betty White and Ernie are training to detect the scent of New Zealand Mudsnail, and Sydney goes bow hunting for flying carp. Also, we talk to a group that is trying to make carp burgers the next popular tailgating food.Thanks to our guestsLaura Holder, Conservation Dogs CollectiveAmy Wagnitz, (former) Conservation Dogs CollectiveBetty White and Ernie, Conservation Dogs CollectiveCaptain Nate Wallick, Peoria Carp HuntersChris Litzau, Great Lakes Community Conservation CorpsRead moreNew Zealand Mud SnailSilver CarpWater HyacinthAsian carp – Silverfin™Why Does the State of Illinois Want to Rename Asian Carp? Racism and Economics

Pacific salmon were introduced into the Great Lakes to control nuisance alewives. Now, alewives and salmon are both being challenged by a new wave of introduced species.Thanks to our guestsBarb Carey, WI Women Fish, Women Ice Angler ProjectBrad Eggold, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesTitus Seilheimer, Wisconsin Sea GrantRead moreWI Women FishWomen Ice Angler ProjectRoot River Steelhead FacilityAutomated Marking & Tagging Trailer

Even the smallest snails can mean big changes for the region’s lakes and streams. We visit the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, where mystery snails encroach on wild rice, and track the spread of New Zealand mudsnail across Wisconsin trout streams.Thanks to our guestsKathryn Perez, University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyKelsey Taylor, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior ChippewaEllen Voss, River Alliance of WisconsinNick Voss, Driftless AnglerBobbi Peckarsky, Black Earth Creek Watershed Association, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMaureen Ferry, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesRead moreKey to Wisconsin Freshwater SnailsKelsey Taylor’s Snail Salsa RecipeChinese Mystery SnailNew Zealand Mud Snail

Smelting became a beloved tradition after rainbow smelt were introduced into the Great Lakes. How did smelt get introduced, how do they fit into the food web and what happens when humans fall in love with a non-native species?Thanks to our guestsJared Myers, US Fish and Wildlife Service Carolyn Swartz, Angler’s All Titus Seilheimer, Wisconsin Sea Grant Sara Hudson, Ashland Parks and Recreation Read moreSmelt WrestlingNew Smelt Consumption Advisory for Lake SuperiorTrash Trunk: A Grab and Go Teaching ToolTeach Me About the Great Lakes podcast

Who gets to decide where a species belongs? What does it mean for something to be “invasive?” The term “invasive species” is commonly used by researchers and academics. But as the authors of the Dibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad – A Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu developed the indigenous resilience guide, they spent long hours reckoning with the term “invasive,” along with a slew of other Western terms like “climate change” and “management.” Next, we speak to scholar Paul Robbins, whose personal journey with invasive species started with a flat tire in Rajestan, India. Since then, he’s studied human interactions with nature and the politics of natural resource management. Lastly, we join a group of reptile and amphibian experts who are debating if a popular pet turtle species, the red-eared slider, should be listed as prohibited or restricted in Wisconsin’s invasive species law. Thanks to our guestsPaul Robbins, University of Wisconsin-MadisonTara Bergeson, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesJerry Jondreau and Katy Bresette, Dynamite Hill FarmsMelonee Montano, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife CommissionSara Smith, College of Menominee NationDavin Lopez, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesHerptile Species Assessment Group membersMammals Species Assessment Group membersRead moreDibaginjigaadeg Anishinaabe Ezhitwaad – A Tribal Climate Adaptation MenuInvasive species Rule NR-40

We’re excited to share an episode of Teach Me About the Great Lakes featuring the Introduced team! This episode is all about invasive species generally, and invasive crayfish specifically. TMAGL speaks again with Dr. Brian Roth about his work on invasive crayfish and with IISG’s own Greg Hitzroth about the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative. Plus, in a special bonus, we speak with the hosts of Introduced, a highly produced, episodic podcast about invasive species from our colleagues at Wisconsin Sea Grant.Today’s guests are Dr. Brian Roth of Michigan State University, Greg Hitzroth of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, and the producers of the Introduced podcast: Bonnie Willison, Sydney Widell, and special guest Tim Campbell.Read moreIISG’s Aquatic Invasive Species PageInvasive Crayfish Collaborative Google GroupOptimus PrimeRed Swamp CrayfishMichigan DNR: Red Swamp CrayfishVirile CrayfishCrayfish PlagueUSGS: Rusty CrayfishAn Interview with Reuben Keller About His WorkAquatic Invaders in the Marketplace: A Website on Organisms in TradeField Guide to Michigan CrayfishICC Discussion on Crayfish IDPurchase the Field Guide to Crayfishes of the Midwest Bookhttp://invasivecrayfish.orghttp://rothlabmsu.comBrian’s Twitter FeedGreg’s Twitter FeedCreditsHost & Executive Producer: Stuart CarltonCohosts: Carolyn FoleyProducers: Hope Charters, Carolyn Foley, Megan Gunn, & Irene MilesAssociate Producer: Ethan ChittyMusic by: Stuart Carlton

On August 25, 2009, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources gets a call about small lobsters crawling around a neighborhood pond in Germantown. The extent of the problem is more than anyone bargained for. Here’s the story of the first red swamp crayfish introduced into Wisconsin.Special thanks to our guests:Tim Campbell, Wisconsin Sea GrantPete Jopke, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesTim Zabel, initial sighterHeidi Bunk, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesScott Van Egeren, Wisconsin Department of Natural ResourcesDoug and Mary, Esquire Estates residentsJake Vander Zanden, University of Wisconsin-MadisonErin Vennie-Vollrath, (former) University of Wisconsin-MadisonChris Hamerla, Golden Sands Resource Conservation & DevelopmentStephanie Peay, Independent crayfish researcherRead moreRed Swamp Crayfish

After a dive into the world of fish collectors and a conversation with a DNR detective, Bonnie and Sydney want to know just how easy it is to buy aquatic invasive species online.Special thanks to our guests Ted Judy, Robert Stroess, Tim Campbell and Erika Jensen.Read moreWater LettuceWater HyacinthRed Swamp Crayfish