Invasive Species Education

Currently, there is unanimous agreement among the agencies responsible for the health of the Great Lakes that the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species is one of the greatest threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem. There are currently 183 aquatic exotic species in the Great Lakes region, many of which are invasive and capable of altering the native Great Lakes ecosystem. In most cases, an established invasive species is difficult, if not impossible, to control or eradicate. Emphasis is needed on preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species and consideration must be given to the entire realm of socio-economic factors invsaive species influence in the Great Lakes region. Education and outreach programs that consider factors from environmental, economic, and technological standpoints are necessary to obtain socially acceptable and sustainable solutions. It is for this reason ISEA is focusing its educational efforts on preventing the introduction and spread of new aquatic invasive species before they become established in the Great Lakes region. It is imperative that teachers, students, and the general public are aware of the concerns surrounding aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes so their improved environmental literacy may lead to increased stewardship and civic responsibility for environmental protection. Public education plays an important role in this process. ISEA offers several aquatic invasive species educational opportunities aboard the schooner Inland Seas and at the Inland Seas Education Center. Click on the links on the left to learn more about invasive species education at ISEA. Click here to find links to informational websites about specific invasive species.