Purdue News

August 4, 2000 Workshops planned to help stop the spread of invasive species WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Would you know a zebra mussel if you saw one? Can you tell a sculpin from a round goby? If you can, you could help prevent the spread of invasive species to Indiana lakes and rivers. Three workshops this month will focus on how to identify invasive species like the zebra mussel and the round goby. The workshops are being offered by Purdue University Cooperative Extension specialists in cooperation with the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant program. The zebra mussel is an invasive species that can clog boat engine cooling systems, foul boat hulls and change the ecology of inland waters. The sculpin, a small fish native to much of North America, is being threatened by another invasive fish species, the round goby. "Increasingly, exotic species are becoming a problem in lakes and rivers," said Patrice Charlebois, a biological resources specialist with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. "These workshops will help people identify some key exotic species, and learn about their biology and potential impact. Participants also will hear about ways people can help prevent the spread of exotic species." The workshop dates, times and locations follow. Call the contact numbers to register in advance for the workshops. • Aug. 21, 7-9 p.m. at the Lagrange County fairgrounds in LaGrange, Ind. There is no charge for the program. Contact: Steve Engleking, Extension educator, (219) 463-7808. • Aug. 28, 7-9 p.m. at the Monroe County fairgrounds in Bloomington, Ind. There is no charge for the program. Contact: Charles Felkner, county Extension director, (812) 349-2575. • Aug. 29, 6:30-9 p.m. at Perry Central High School in Leopold, Ind. There will be a $3 charge for dinner, which is included in the program. Contact: Allen Ullom, Extension educator, (812) 547-7084. Anglers, boaters and other water recreationists are often among the first to spot a new invader in aquatic systems. If reported to authorities, the spread of the invader to other waters can be prevented. "Zebra mussels have already invaded our inland lakes and rivers, in many cases by hitching a ride on recreational boats, unbeknownst to the boat owner," Charlebois said. "This accidental spread of invasive species can be prevented almost entirely by following a few guidelines that will be presented at these workshops." The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is one of 29 programs in the National Sea Grant College Program, which combines university, government, business and industry expertise to address coastal and Great Lakes needs. The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U. S. Department of Commerce, Purdue and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. CONTACT: Debra Levey Larson, media/communications specialist, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program, (217) 333-8055; dlarson@uiuc.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page