U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Fact Sheet 2005–3153

December 2005

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Printed on recycled paper

Strategic Directions for Invasive Species Research at the 

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Considerable increases in the rates of invasion by aquatic 

species and a lack of viable control options present 

decision makers with few management options. To meet 

the need for a more comprehensive program addressing 

the establishment, spread, and effects of aquatic invasive 

species in the Midwest, a number of scientists at the 

U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental 

Sciences Center (UMESC) are refocusing their research 

efforts on aquatic invasive species based on UMESC 

personnel, facility assets, and resource management 

needs.

Identifying Resource 

Management Needs

Research directions 

for UMESC on 

aquatic invasive 

species were identified 

in a strategic plan 

reviewed by resource 

managers and other 

interested parties 

at a 2004 UMESCsponsored workshop. 

Top research priorities 

identified at the 

workshop include 

conducting risk 

assessments to prevent new introductions, developing 

tools to respond rapidly to new introductions, assessing 

the effects of new invaders, and developing new control 

methods. 

Changing Societal Needs

The UMESC has a proud history in invasive species 

research focused primarily on developing tools for 

chemical control of sea lamprey and other nuisance 

fishes such as common carp. Although UMESC scientists 

have established a considerable reputation for successful 

chemical control of aquatic species, we have a goal of 

broading our research capabilities to meet the changing 

needs of society and resource management. More 

specifically, we intend to maintain our unique capabilities 

in chemical control methods and regulatory affairs while 

expanding and diversifying research in aquatic invasive 

species. 

Invasive Species Research Directions 

Over the next 5 years, we will direct invasive species 

research at the UMESC on the following activities:

	Preventing the Introduction of Aquatic Invasive 

Species: Developing tools to aid managers in 

preventing the introduction of 

aquatic invasive species in the 

United States. 

	Early Detection, Rapid 

Response, and Spread of 

Aquatic Invasive Species: 

Use current expertise at the 

UMESC to provide science 

support for managers to 

eradicate newly reported 

aquatic invasive species and 

to predict their potential 

spread in the Great Lakes 

and Upper Mississippi River 

basins.

	Science Support 

for Monitoring Aquatic 

Invasive Species: Improve 

and refine methods used by 

managers to monitor expanding populations of aquatic 

invasive species in the Upper Mississippi River 

System

	Ecology and Effects of Aquatic Invasive Species: 

Study the ecology of and identify and quantify the 

effects of harmful aquatic invasive species on native 

ecosystems and their components in the Great Lakes 

and Upper Mississippi River basins

	Control and Management of Aquatic Invasive 

Species: Work with managers to develop, improve, 

and implement an integrated approach (physical, 

chemical, and biological control methods) for 

controlling aquatic invasive species to allow 

restoration and management of native species and 

ecosystem function

The USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center is in the heart of two 

major freshwater ecosystems plagued by a host of aquatic invasive species.
Michael Boogaard, M.S. Biologist: Toxicity studies, 

chemical control, rapid response and integrated pest 

management of aquatic invasive species

Jon Amberg, Ph.D. Research Fisheries Biologist:

Fish metabolism and physiology, PCR analysis and gene

expression, xenobiotic metabolism

For more information, contact

U.S. Geological Survey

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

2360 Fanta Reed Road

La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603

National Aquatic Invasive Species Issues

Interest is growing in predicting the identity, 

distribution, and effects of potential aquatic invasive 

species, and UMESC has capabilities in these areas. 

For example, we have developed a risk assessment 

for bighead and silver carp and have completed 

a major effort with the Bureau of Reclamation 

to examine the use of taxon-specific chemicals 

and integrated control of invasive fishes in the 

Southwest. Also, UMESC scientists will continue 

to provide leadership by serving on the Asian Carp 

Working Group of the Aquatic Nuisance Species 

(ANS) Task Force, Risk Assessment Advisory Panel 

of the National Invasive Species Council, and the 

Mississippi River Basin Panel on ANS, as well as 

to address issues related to other nuisance aquatic 

invasives such as the snakehead.

Aquatic Invasive Species Issues in Proximity

The UMESC is located on the Mississippi River 

and is close to the Great Lakes, both highly invaded 

ecosystems that have undergone negative ecological and 

economical changes because of invasive species. More 

than 170 aquatic species have arrived through a variety of 

biological and physical pathways to become established 

in these ecosystems. Research on invasive species at the 

UMESC will focus on preventing further introductions, 

examining early detection and monitoring methods, 

determining the effects of established invaders, and the 

management and control of invasive species in this region.

Assets and Capabilities for Research on Aquatic 

Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species research capabilities at UMESC 

include:

 New containment and experimental complex for 

aquatic invasive species with recirculating and flowthrough capabilities

 Unique onsite facilities, including laboratory 

workspace and outdoor mesocosms and ponds

 Extensive experience in monitoring aquatic invasive 

species

 Expertise in chemical and integrated control of aquatic 

species

 Capabilities in predicting the identity of potential 

invading species and determining the effects of 

invading species

 Expertise with historic and ongoing ecological studies 

in aquatic ecosystems

 Strong quantitative focus and strengths in geospatial 

applications and risk assessments

 Nationally recognized, innovative decision support 

systems

Dedicated Research Staff

Mark P. Gaikowski, M.A. Research Physiologist:

Toxicity studies, environmental assessments,

delivery technologies

Jane Rivera, B.S. Biologist: Regulatory affairs

Silver carp have been found in the Upper Mississippi River basin since 1983. They pose 

danger to boaters and anglers because they respond to boat motor vibrations by leaping 

several feet out of the water (photograph: R. Nelson).

Terrance Hubert, Ph.D. Chemist: Pheromones, analytical 

chemistry, chemical control, integrated pest management, 

regulatory affairs

Terrance D. Hubert

608.781.6227

thubert@usgs.gov