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href="/service/search" target="_self"> Search All Services </a></li></ul></div><div class="we-mega-menu-col span6" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-col" data-width="6" data-block="" data-blocktitle="0" data-hidewhencollapse="" data-class=""></div><div class="we-mega-menu-col span2" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-col" data-width="2" data-block="duckstampmegamenupromoblock" data-blocktitle="0" data-hidewhencollapse="" data-class=""><div class="type-of-block"><div class="block-inner"><section id="block-duckstampmegamenupromoblock" class="block block-block-content block-block-content7c7a6c05-13b3-4593-91f0-ff4b168c4096 block-mega-menu-promo-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"> <a href="/service/duck-stamps"><div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square/public/2020-10/duck_stamp_2019_rotated.png?itok=KO4L_Q9Y" width="210" height="210" alt="Duck Stamp 2019" class="img-responsive" /></div> </a> <a href="/service/duck-stamps"><div class="field field--name-field-short-heading field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Duck Stamps</div> </a> <a href="/service/duck-stamps"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">One of the easiest ways that anyone can support bird habitat conservation is by buying duck stamps.</div> </a></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li dropdown-menu mb-item" data-level="0" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="bd19bc30-50a8-4107-b80d-2791b2677f13" data-submenu="1" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/species" target=""> Species </a> <span class="nav-drilldown"><i class="fa fa-angle-right" aria-hidden="true"></i><span 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data-width="6" data-block="" data-blocktitle="0" data-hidewhencollapse="" data-class=""></div><div class="we-mega-menu-col span2" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-col" data-width="2" data-block="speciesgraywolfpromoblock" data-blocktitle="0" data-hidewhencollapse="" data-class=""><div class="type-of-block"><div class="block-inner"><section id="block-speciesgraywolfpromoblock" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentbabff9aa-93a1-4de5-86f0-d93c225adb0a block-mega-menu-promo-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"> <a href="/story/coolest-mammals-earth"><div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square/public/2022-02/9-MexicanLong-TonguedBat-MerlinTuttle-Merlin%20Tuttle.org%20ONE%20TIME%20USE%20ONLY_0.jpg?itok=hYkXLM2H" width="210" height="210" alt="Mexican long tongued bat" class="img-responsive" /></div> </a> <a href="/story/coolest-mammals-earth"><div class="field field--name-field-short-heading field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Interest story</div> </a> <a href="/story/coolest-mammals-earth"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Bats: “The Coolest Mammals on Earth”</div> </a></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li dropdown-menu mb-item" data-level="0" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="9328d7a1-e9b4-42b2-ae54-63bfc512239c" data-submenu="1" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/visit-us" target=""> Visit Us </a> <span class="nav-drilldown"><i class="fa fa-angle-right" aria-hidden="true"></i><span class="visible-hidden">Forward</span></span><div class="we-mega-menu-submenu mb-submenu" 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Us </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="4908dc3d-74f2-42bb-8552-4b868920539f" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/events" target="_self"> Events </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="National Fish Hatchery System" data-id="c9e0303c-47fb-4084-bc2e-bc95e1c41aff" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="National Fish Hatchery System" href="/program/national-fish-hatchery-system" target="_self"> National Fish Hatcheries </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="National Wildlife Refuge 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id="block-visitusmegamenupromoblock" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentde6924d7-d800-4f9a-be28-31432dc695fb block-mega-menu-promo-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"> <a href="/activity/auto-tour"><div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square/public/2021-11/merritt_island_tour_bus_birding_blackpoint.jpg?itok=Jr4XoO3B" width="210" height="210" alt="A bus with birders tours Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge" class="img-responsive" /></div> </a> <a href="/activity/auto-tour"><div class="field field--name-field-short-heading field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Scenic Drives</div> </a> <a href="/activity/auto-tour"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges.</div> 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href="/volunteer-opportunity"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Search for volunteer opportunities around the country</div> </a></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li dropdown-menu mb-item" data-level="0" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="d47ff4c2-948e-4921-ae69-e95214b7ae5c" data-submenu="1" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/news" target=""> Newsroom </a> <span class="nav-drilldown"><i class="fa fa-angle-right" aria-hidden="true"></i><span class="visible-hidden">Forward</span></span><div class="we-mega-menu-submenu mb-submenu" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-submenu" data-submenu-width="" data-class="" style="width: px"><div class="mb-back"><a href="#" class="back-icon"><i class="fa fa-angle-left" 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data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/initiative/invasive-species" target="_self"> Invasive Species </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="e2bddd15-f642-4122-98cc-459a03bd0132" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/initiative/pollinators" target=""> Pollinators </a></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li mb-item" data-level="1" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="97d88ac1-2240-49ed-b5eb-8205a8edad72" data-submenu="0" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target="_self"> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/initiative/protecting-wildlife" target="_self"> Protecting Wildlife </a></li></ul></div><div class="we-mega-menu-col span6" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-col" data-width="6" data-block="" data-blocktitle="0" data-hidewhencollapse="" data-class=""></div><div class="we-mega-menu-col span2" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-col" data-width="2" data-block="initiativemegamenublock" data-blocktitle="0" data-hidewhencollapse="" data-class=""><div class="type-of-block"><div class="block-inner"><section id="block-initiativemegamenublock" class="block block-block-content block-block-content24bb2b6e-0932-487d-8726-c8b10b7a21ea block-mega-menu-promo-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"> <a href="/initiative/climate-change"><div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square/public/2021-06/polar-bears-arctic-nwr-steve-hillebrand-usfws.jpg?itok=XpANSqyN" width="210" height="210" alt="A distant view of two polar bears standing on a pebbled shoreline." class="img-responsive" /></div> </a> <a href="/initiative/climate-change"><div class="field field--name-field-short-heading field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Climate Action</div> </a> <a href="/initiative/climate-change"><div class="field field--name-field-short-description field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts</div> </a></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></li><li class="we-mega-menu-li dropdown-menu mb-item" data-level="0" data-element-type="we-mega-menu-li" description="" data-id="2fa121a9-cdee-49cf-9354-c057c8f2194d" data-submenu="1" data-hide-sub-when-collapse="" data-group="0" data-class="" data-icon="" data-caption="" data-alignsub="" data-target=""> <a class="we-mega-menu-li" title="" href="/" target=""> I want to </a> <span class="nav-drilldown"><i class="fa fa-angle-right" aria-hidden="true"></i><span class="visible-hidden">Forward</span></span><div 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aria-hidden="true">×</span></button></div></div></div></div> </header><div id="banner" role="banner"><div class="region region-banner"> <section id="block-fwsbanner" class="block block-fws-banner block-fws-banner-block clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h1 class="fws-banner-title">All Hands on Deck for Early Detection</h1><div class="field field--name-field-banner-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="banner-image banner"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_xl/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191230839.jpg.webp?h=c3054a9f&itok=AF0jU-Ot 1x" media="all and (min-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" width="2560" height="710"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image_lg/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191230839.jpg.webp?h=c3054a9f&itok=Ljv-x5IG 1x" media="all and 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width="480" height="700" alt="Boat with several people on it in Big Lake, Alaska." class="img-responsive" /> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/aquatic-invasive-species-surveys-big-lake-alaska">Image Details</a></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div><div role="main" class="main-container container js-quickedit-main-content" id="main-content"><div class="row m-0"><div class="col-sm-12"><div class="region region-header"></div></div> <section class="col-full-content"><div class="highlighted"><div class="region region-highlighted"><div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div></div></div><div class="region region-content"> <article class="story full clearfix"><div class="content"><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-short-title clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-short-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">All Hands on Deck for Early Detection</div></div></section><section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-sub-title clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-sub-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item">Collaborative Training in Alaska</div></div></section></div></div><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-author clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Written By</h3><div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"><div class="field--item"> <article class="staff-profile author clearfix"><div class="content"><div class="layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--50-50"><div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestaff-profilefield-staff-profile-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-staff-profile-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/staff-profile-image/Ashley%20Lutto1.jpg?h=19ea8834&itok=O18KIWe3" width="50" height="50" alt="woman with dark hair smiles in front of green trees" class="img-responsive" /></div></div></section></div><div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestaff-profiletitle clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/staff-profile/ashley-lutto" hreflang="en">Ashley Lutto</a></div></div></section></div></div></div></article></div></div></div></section></div></div><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestorybody clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p>In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” For <span class="glossify-tooltip-link glossify-tooltip-popup" aria-label="An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.">invasive species <span class="glossify-tooltip-content"> <span class="glossify-content-header"><strong>invasive species</strong><span class="glossify-content-close"><i class="fas fa-times-circle"></i></span></span> <br> An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. <br><br> <a href="/glossary/invasive-species"> Learn more about invasive species </a> </span> </span> management this is often referred to as early detection and rapid response, or EDRR. </p><div class="align-left embedded-media-image half_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_192649431.jpg.webp?itok=1GIhklMp 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="452"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_496/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_192649431.jpg.webp?itok=KTwtSASV 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="496" height="373"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_384/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_192649431.jpg.webp?itok=AvIN-BOi 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="384" height="289"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_192649431.jpg.webp?itok=4Rj6t-Kd 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="361"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_192649431.jpg?itok=1GIhklMp 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="452"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_496/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_192649431.jpg?itok=KTwtSASV 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="496" height="373"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_384/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_192649431.jpg?itok=AvIN-BOi 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="384" height="289"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_192649431.jpg?itok=4Rj6t-Kd 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="361"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_192649431.jpg?itok=4Rj6t-Kd" width="480" height="361" alt="Researchers holding aquatic vegetation from the lake while sitting on the side of a boat." class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/sampling-big-lake-alaska">Image Details</a></div></div></div><p><br>Early detection is crucial for identification of new populations of invasive species before they have a chance to establish and spread. Rapid response allows for immediate action to implement control or eradication measures for invasive species while the population is still in limited distribution. EDRR minimizes ecological impacts and reduces economic costs associated with invasive species. <br><br>This summer, July 2024, invasive species management practitioners from across Alaska and the lower-48 states gathered for the first collaborative hands-on training for invasive quagga and zebra mussel sampling in Alaska, dubbed “All Hands on Deck for Early Detection”. These small, highly invasive mussels are not known to occur in Alaska. </p><div class="align-left embedded-media-image half_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/2021-09/MossBallsAndZebraMussels16_SandLakeWarehouse_DeborahKornblut.jpg.webp?itok=Ud_wS4Xg 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="400"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_496/public/2021-09/MossBallsAndZebraMussels16_SandLakeWarehouse_DeborahKornblut.jpg.webp?itok=Al5UyR_I 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="496" height="330"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_384/public/2021-09/MossBallsAndZebraMussels16_SandLakeWarehouse_DeborahKornblut.jpg.webp?itok=RMB_UkeD 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="384" height="256"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2021-09/MossBallsAndZebraMussels16_SandLakeWarehouse_DeborahKornblut.jpg.webp?itok=-XwB87Dq 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="320"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/2021-09/MossBallsAndZebraMussels16_SandLakeWarehouse_DeborahKornblut.jpg?itok=Ud_wS4Xg 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="400"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_496/public/2021-09/MossBallsAndZebraMussels16_SandLakeWarehouse_DeborahKornblut.jpg?itok=Al5UyR_I 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="496" height="330"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_384/public/2021-09/MossBallsAndZebraMussels16_SandLakeWarehouse_DeborahKornblut.jpg?itok=RMB_UkeD 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="384" height="256"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2021-09/MossBallsAndZebraMussels16_SandLakeWarehouse_DeborahKornblut.jpg?itok=-XwB87Dq 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="320"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/2021-09/MossBallsAndZebraMussels16_SandLakeWarehouse_DeborahKornblut.jpg?itok=-XwB87Dq" width="480" height="320" alt="Zebra mussel on a transparent ruler which shows that the mussel is about one fourth inch long" class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/zebra-mussel-ruler">Image Details</a></div></div></div><h4>The Problem</h4><p><br>Collectively known as <em>dreissenid</em> mussels, zebra and quagga mussels, are native to Eastern Europe. They were first discovered in the United States in the late 1980s, likely introduced via ballast water discharge from vessels originating overseas. Within a few years they had spread across the Great Lakes region and were marching west on overland boats and other secondary spread pathways.<br><br>Despite their small size (often less than 1 inch), <em>dreissenid</em> mussels have devastating ecological and economic impacts. They filter feed (<a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2024/3009/fs20243009.pdf">up to one gallon per day for an adult mussel!</a>), reducing food availability for native species and removing nutrients from the ecosystem. They attach to hard surfaces, such as rocks, ropes, boats, pipes, and even native mussels, and rapidly grow in dense colonies. This can damage infrastructure and clog water intake pipes. Infestations in the <a href="https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/62012">Great Lakes region are estimated to cause $300-$500 million annually in damages!</a> Mussel larvae, called veligers, are microscopic and free-floating in the water column of lakes and rivers. This means that new mussel infestations can begin with any water transported from a contaminated waterbody in recreational equipment, such as fishing gear and boats.</p><div class="align-right embedded-media-image half_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_201357558.jpg.webp?itok=dU27N9yK 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="797"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_496/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_201357558.jpg.webp?itok=ON703H8k 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="496" height="659"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_384/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_201357558.jpg.webp?itok=CorwMl6k 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="384" height="510"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_201357558.jpg.webp?itok=sFaLAXYy 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="638"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_201357558.jpg?itok=dU27N9yK 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="797"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_496/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_201357558.jpg?itok=ON703H8k 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="496" height="659"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_384/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_201357558.jpg?itok=CorwMl6k 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="384" height="510"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_201357558.jpg?itok=sFaLAXYy 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="638"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_201357558.jpg?itok=sFaLAXYy" width="480" height="638" alt="Three researchers in a boat drop a ponar dredge over the side to sample for dreissenid mussels. " class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/ponar-dredge-use-big-lake-alaska">Image Details</a></div></div></div><h4><br>Collaborative Training</h4><p><br>Unfortunately, <em>dreissenid</em> mussels are discovered in new waterbodies each year, highlighting the importance of EDRR activities to swiftly contain, then treat an early infestation before it gains a foothold. “All Hands on Deck for Early Detection” was the first of its kind in Alaska. Cohosted by <a href="/office/alaska-region-headquarters">US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)</a>, <a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/">Alaska Department of Fish and Game</a>, <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/">Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation)</a>, <a href="https://accs.uaa.alaska.edu/">University of Alaska Anchorage Alaska Center for Conservation Science</a>, and <a href="https://alaskainvasives.org/">Alaska Invasive Species Partnership</a>, the hands-on training was a two-day event featuring four field sampling techniques and lab analysis. Attendees came from a wide variety of agencies and organizations, including Tyonek Tribal Conservation District, <a href="https://anchorageswcd.org/">Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District</a>, <a href="https://www.jber.jb.mil/">Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson</a>, <a href="https://dnr.alaska.gov/">Alaska Department of Natural Resources</a>, <a href="https://biglakecommunitycouncil.com/">Big Lake Community Council</a>, <a href="/office/conservation-genetics-laboratory">USFWS Conservation Genetics Lab</a>, <a href="https://kachemakbayreserve.org/">Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve</a>, and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/locations/alaska/index.htm">National Park Service</a>.<br><br>During the field portion of the event, attendees rotated through four stations led by U.S Fish and Wildlife staff to get their hands on different sampling techniques from both boats and shore. At a ponar dredge station, lake bottom sediment, plants, rocks, and other debris was collected and inspected. At a plankton throw station, plankton nets were thrown from shore and lowered from boats to collect plankton samples. These samples were field-preserved for later lab analysis for <em>dreissenid</em> veligers, the floating larval life stage. At the substrate inspection station, submerged artificial and existing surfaces were scraped and inspected. At the plant shakedown station, aquatic vegetation was collected, sorted, and inspected. In the lab, staff from the Reclamation Ecological Research Laboratory introduced and trained participants on analyzing plankton samples with cross-polarized microscopy for veligers and common native mollusks. Other lab stations included sample preparation, microscope calibration, field day collected sample visualization, known <em>dreissenid</em> mussel sample visualization, sample storage, and quality assurance and quality control methods.</p><div class="embedded-media-image full_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191237170.jpg.webp?itok=9vPKnDG5 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="1200" height="904"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191237170.jpg.webp?itok=VC5j1-18 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="992" height="747"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191237170.jpg.webp?itok=zxXXlJKa 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="768" height="578"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191237170.jpg.webp?itok=ZW4pFU42 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="361"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_1200/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191237170.jpg?itok=9vPKnDG5 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="1200" height="904"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_992/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191237170.jpg?itok=VC5j1-18 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="992" height="747"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_768/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191237170.jpg?itok=zxXXlJKa 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="768" height="578"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191237170.jpg?itok=ZW4pFU42 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="361"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_191237170.jpg?itok=ZW4pFU42" width="480" height="361" alt="Biologist on boat sample for aquatic invasive species." class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/aquatic-invasive-species-sampling-big-lake-alaska">Image Details</a></div></div></div><div class="align-left embedded-media-image half_width_image"><div class="image-with-credit"><div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_233709687.jpg.webp?itok=FmK-2vrm 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="452"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_496/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_233709687.jpg.webp?itok=qObIY8rz 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/webp" width="496" height="373"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_384/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_233709687.jpg.webp?itok=qyVLi8Hf 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/webp" width="384" height="289"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_233709687.jpg.webp?itok=BVWvEmdt 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="361"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_233709687.jpg?itok=FmK-2vrm 1x" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="452"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_496/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_233709687.jpg?itok=qObIY8rz 1x" media="all and (min-width: 768px)" type="image/jpeg" width="496" height="373"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_384/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_233709687.jpg?itok=qyVLi8Hf 1x" media="all and (min-width: 481px)" type="image/jpeg" width="384" height="289"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_233709687.jpg?itok=BVWvEmdt 1x" media="(max-width: 480px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="361"> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_480/public/images/2024-08/pxl_20240709_233709687.jpg?itok=BVWvEmdt" width="480" height="361" alt="Biologists gather around under a pavilion to hear someone speak." class="img-responsive"> </picture></div><div class="attribution"> <a href="/media/all-hands-deck-early-detection-big-lake-alaska">Image Details</a></div></div></div><h4>Looking Ahead </h4><p><br>The collaborative training event was a huge success! There is already discussion of next steps for cohosting a rapid response drill for <em>dreissenid</em> mussels, similar to the European green crab <a href="/story/2024-03/invasive-green-crab-rapid-response-plan-just-what-doctor-ordered">rapid response drill conducted in 2023</a>. By acting proactively, we are enhancing our collective effectiveness of invasive species management by addressing potential issues early and minimizing ecological and economic damage.<br><br>The establishment of <em>dreissenid</em> mussels in Alaska would result in significant ecological and economic costs. Ecologically, they could disrupt aquatic food webs, alter habitats, and reduce biodiversity. Economically, the costs of managing infrastructure damage, increased maintenance, containment efforts, and impacts on recreation and tourism could be substantial. However, through early detection and rapid response efforts, such as the “All Hands on Deck for Early Detection”, invasive species management practitioners across Alaska are mitigating these potential impacts and protecting Alaska's aquatic environments and economic interests.</p><p>______________________________________________________________________________________</p><h3><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Everyone can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.</strong></span></h3><ul><li><h6><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Clean, drain, dry your gear before moving to a new waterbody.</strong></span></h6></li><li><h6><span lang="EN-US"><strong>Report any suspected invasive species.</strong></span></h6><ul><li><span lang="EN-US">Call 1-877-INVASIV (1-877-468-2748)</span></li><li><span lang="EN-US">Use </span><a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=invasivespeciesreporter.main"><span lang="EN-US">Alaska Department of Fish and Game Online Invasive Species Reporter</span></a><br> </li></ul></li></ul></div></div></section></div></div><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-subject-tags clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Story Tags</h3><div class="field field--name-field-subject-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"><div class="field--item">Aquatic animals</div><div class="field--item">Aquatic environment</div><div class="field--item">Aquatic plants</div><div class="field--item">Freshwater mussels</div><div class="field--item">Invasive species</div><div class="field--item">Partnerships</div><div class="field--item">Research</div><div class="field--item">Surveying</div><div class="field--item">Wildlife</div></div></div></section><section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-activities clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Recreational Activities</h3><div class="field field--name-field-activities field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"><div class="field--item"><div class="taxonomy-term icon_with_term_name activity icon-with-term-name"><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocktaxonomy-termactivityfield-icon clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-icon field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" id="svg5294" viewBox="0 0 500 500"> <path 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class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocktaxonomy-termactivityname clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/activity/boating-motorized" hreflang="en">Boating - motorized</a></div></div></section></div></div></div></div><div class="field--item"><div class="taxonomy-term icon_with_term_name activity icon-with-term-name"><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocktaxonomy-termactivityfield-icon clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-icon field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" id="Layer_1" data-name="Layer 1" viewBox="0 0 500 500"> <path 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transform="translate(0 0)"></path></svg></div></div></section><section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocktaxonomy-termactivityname clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-name field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/activity/boating-non-motorized" hreflang="en">Boating - non-motorized</a></div></div></section></div></div></div></div><div class="field--item"><div class="taxonomy-term icon_with_term_name activity icon-with-term-name"><div class="layout layout--onecol"><div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocktaxonomy-termactivityfield-icon clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-icon field--type-image field--label-hidden field--item"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" id="svg6654" viewBox="0 0 500 500"> <path 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layout__region--first"> <section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-author clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Written By</h3><div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"><div class="field--item"> <article class="staff-profile author clearfix"><div class="content"><div class="layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--50-50"><div class="layout__region layout__region--first"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestaff-profilefield-staff-profile-image clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-staff-profile-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/author_thumbnail/public/staff-profile-image/Ashley%20Lutto1.jpg?h=19ea8834&itok=O18KIWe3" width="50" height="50" alt="woman with dark hair smiles in front of green trees" class="img-responsive" /></div></div></section></div><div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestaff-profiletitle clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/staff-profile/ashley-lutto" hreflang="en">Ashley Lutto</a></div></div></section></div></div></div></article></div></div></div></section><section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-editor-reference clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Edited By</h3><div class="field field--name-field-editor-reference field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/staff-profile/katrina-liebich" hreflang="en">Katrina Liebich</a></div></div></section></div><div class="layout__region layout__region--second"> <section class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-story-category clearfix"><div class="block-container"><div class="field field--name-field-story-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--item"><a href="/news/science-and-technology" hreflang="en">Science and Technology</a></div></div></section><section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-facility-reference clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Facilities</h3><div class="field field--name-field-facility-reference field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"><div class="field--item"><a href="/office/alaska-region-headquarters" hreflang="en">Alaska Region Headquarters</a></div></div></div></section><section class="title-field-as-field-label block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodestoryfield-other-story-credits clearfix"><div class="block-container"><h3 class="block-title">Other Story Credits</h3><div class="field 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Natural Resource Professional of the Year</a></div> <a class="date-link" href="/story/2025-02/service-fiscal-officer-cheryl-rodriguez-receives-azgfd-2024-natural-resource">Feb 12, 2025</a></div></article></div></div> <nav class="pager-nav text-center" role="navigation" aria-labelledby="pagination-heading"><p id="pagination-heading" class="visually-hidden">Pagination</p><ul class="pagination pager js-pager__items"><li class="pager__item pager__item--previous"> <a href="" title="Go to previous page" rel="prev"> <span class="visually-hidden">Previous page</span> <span aria-hidden="true" class="far fa-angle-left"></span> </a></li><li class="pager__item is-active active"> <a href="?page=0" title="Current page" aria-current="page"> <span class="visually-hidden"> Current page </span>1</a></li><li class="pager__item"> <a href="?page=1" title="Go to page 2"> <span class="visually-hidden"> Page </span>2</a></li><li class="pager__item"> <a href="?page=2" title="Go to page 3"> <span 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