UWindsor ecologist to lead national invasive species team

A University of Windsor ecologist will lead a $6.5 million network of some of the nation’s top scientists, all devoted to finding solutions to the growing problem of aquatic invasive species in Canada’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

Hugh MacIsaac, a professor at UWindsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, will lead the second phase of the Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Network—the network's first phase began in 2006. The project will be funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada.

"Invasive species are of concern in the Canadian north, which is primed for new invasions as shipping traffic increases and climate warming renders Arctic habitats more suitable for invaders," said Dr. MacIsaac. "Our team thanks NSERC for this funding as it helps us to better manage and improve the delicate balance of our aquatic ecosystems."

Aquatic invasive species are animals or plants whose introduction to a new ecosystem can render it inhospitable to native species. Sea lamprey, zebra mussels, round gobies and the spiny water flea have already devastated some native fish species and fisheries in Canada, while the threat of the Asian carp may pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes. Annually, the problem of aquatic invasive species is responsible for billions of dollars in lost revenue and control measures.

Working in conjunction with partners, primarily shipping companies and government agencies, this network will develop innovative early detection technology and rapid response capabilities that will help identify and manage invaders in marine and freshwater habitats. Headquartered at the University of Windsor, it will include 28 scientists at 11 Canadian universities. Projects also will address interactions between stressors including calcium depletion in inland lakes, nutrient enrichment of lakes and estuaries, and climate change in lake, river and coastal marine ecosystems across Canada.

UWindsor president Alan Wildeman congratulated the award recipients and thanked NSERC for its support of the network and confidence in its scientists.

“Dr. Hugh MacIsaac and his team of scientists across the network are an excellent example of how Canadian researchers are applying their expertise to issues facing our country's, and the world's, aquatic resources,” said Dr. Wildeman.

“Networks like CAISN II demonstrate that NSERC’s community has risen to the challenge and is putting the Government of Canada’s science and technology strategy to work," said NSERC president Suzanne Fortier. "Canada’s leading researchers have identified real-world challenges and are setting about to make Canada a safer and stronger place to live.”