Previous Webinars

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Grass Carp Egg Sampling in Known Lake Erie Spawning Tributaries and Beyond

Invasive Grass Carp spawning was confirmed in 2015 in the Sandusky River and 2017 in the Maumee River, two Lake Erie tributaries in Ohio. Spawning is associated with high flows (i.e., greater than 85th percentile of historic discharge) and water temperatures between 17 and 24°C, and egg detection in both rivers is correlated with peaks in the hydrograph. Literature-derived estimates of Grass Carp spawning risks were used to identify other potential spawning tributaries based on temperature and hydrology. Tributaries identified as having potential for Grass Carp spawning were prioritized based on discussions with regional fishery managers. In 2022, we sampled the Sandusky and Maumee rivers, as well as five additional Great Lakes tributaries where spawning was suspected to occur. Eggs were not detected in the Cuyahoga, Huron , and Grand rivers in Ohio (Lake Erie); Tittabawassee River in Michigan (Lake Huron); or St. Joseph River in Michigan (Lake Michigan); however, more information is necessary to make any conclusion regarding Grass Carp reproductive success within these tributaries. The combination of information on the timing and location of known Grass Carp spawning has improved the ability of management agencies to target removal and control efforts within the Great Lakes region. This webinar was presented by Ryan Brown, University of Toledo.

The status of Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) in the United States

Black Carp are an emerging invasive fish species in the United States. Specifically, discussed: what are Black Carp, what is their history of use and importation, how to identify Black Carp, and what recent research is available. This webinar was presented by Patrick Kroboth from the U.S. Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center.

Lake Erie Grass Carp Response Strategy

Presented live during the Invasive Species Centre’s 2022 Invasive Species Forum, this presentation gives an overview of the current response strategy in the United States to control the spread of Grass Carp. This webinar was presented by John Navarro from the Ohio DNR. 

Using expert knowledge to estimate the potential of the Rideau and Trent-Severn Waterways for invasive and endangered species

It is important but challenging to study species lacking field data, such as potential future invaders or native species that are rarely found. In this study, we use expert elicitation to estimate the potential effect of anthropogenic structures (e.g., shipping locks, dams & weirs, and hydropower plant) and habitats in human modified aquatic ecosystems on the invasion of Asian carps and the restoration of endangered American eels. The preliminary results vary among experts and structures and provide opportunities for discussion and group learning among experts and managers. This webinar was presented by Dr. Hsien-Yung Lin, Carlton University.

Grass Carp Information Session

This information session highlighted the threat of Grass Carp to the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes. It consisted of a discussion with a panel of experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, University of Toronto Scarborough, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and a commercial fisherman! Discussions centered around early detection, research, reporting and identification and impacts.

Asian Carp Information Session: Update on Canadian Research

This information session highlighted ongoing research from researchers at University of Toronto Scarborough focusing on the risks Asian carps pose to the Great Lakes, spawning and tributary suitability, non-physical barrier technologies and potential impacts of climate change. It also featured an update from Fisheries and Oceans Canada on their Asian Carp Program and how research informs their efforts.

Asian Carp Canada: A Collaborative Approach to Education and Outreach to Prevent the Establishment of Asian carps

This webinar, presented by Rebecca Schroeder, Invasive Species Centre, Brook Schryer, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Colin Love, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Terry Rees, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, gave an overview of the Asian Carp Canada program, and how partners work together towards the shared goal of preventing Asian carps from establishing in the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes. It highlighted the education and outreach work done by each organization including use of influencer marketing, social media advertising, trade shows, information sessions, classroom programs, e-mail marketing and more.

An Update on Canada’s Asian Carp Early Detection Surveillance Program and Response Actions

This webinar, presented by Dave Marson from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, focused on the early detection surveillance and response components of DFO’s Asian Carp Program. This presentation highlighted the changes and updates to Fisheries and Oceans Asian Carp Early Detection Surveillance Program since 2014. The addition of early detection sampling sites, and integration of new traditional fishing gears and techniques into the surveillance program was discussed. This presentation also touched on recent captures of Grass Carp in Canadian waters, and the subsequent response efforts of DFO’s Asian Carp Program.

Update on Asian Carp Efforts in Illinois

Presented by Kevin Irons from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this webinar discussed the work being done in Illinois to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carps. It discussed the state’s monitoring and response plan which includes detection, management and control and response. Kevin highlighted the state’s monitoring plan above and below the barriers, how they work with contract fishermen to remove large quantities of biomass from Illinois waterways, and other technologies used for monitoring and response. 

Asian Carp Information Session: The Threat of Grass Carp to the Canadian Great Lakes

On October 21st, 2020 the Invasive Species Centre hosted a virtual information session. This information session focused on Grass Carp, one of the four species of Asian carps, and the one that poses the most immediate threat to the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes. The event consisted of a presentation by Fisheries and Oceans Canada followed by a question and answer period with a panel of experts. The panel consisted of representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the University of Toronto, the Invasive Species Centre and Ashley Rae, Angler, Fishing Content Creator, and Fishing Guide from SheLovesToFish.com!

On the Doorstep of the Great Lakes, Tench what is it, how did it get here, and what now

Tench, a Eurasian fish from the same family as Asian carps, was captured in the Bay of Quinte (Lake Ontario) in 2018. Over the past few decades, Tench has managed to stay out of the spotlight, despite expanding its range westward from the site of its illegal introduction in Quebec towards the Great Lakes. However, its recent rapid spread and increasing appearances in bycatch of commercial fisheries has raised alarm. In this webinar, we will delve into the history of the introduction of this fish, learn how to identify it, and describe what is known about the potential threats it poses to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. We will also discuss what can be done to prevent the spread of Tench and reduce its impacts. This webinar was presented by Sunci Avlijas, McGill University

Grass Carp in Lake Erie: History, Status, and Habitat

Although Grass Carp have been captured in the Great Lakes since the early 1980’s, it was assumed that most were sterile escapees from stocked ponds, or incapable of successfully reproducing in available tributaries. However, spawning was first documented in the Great Lakes in 2015 with the collection of fertilized eggs from the Sandusky River, a Lake Erie tributary. Monitoring has since continued and spawning has been documented in multiple years in two Lake Erie tributaries, with some evidence suggesting that recruitment may have already occurred. Grass Carp consume aquatic vegetation and therefore may pose a threat to Great Lakes aquatic vegetation communities. This webinar covers the history and status of Grass Carp reproduction in Lake Erie and current research and management efforts. This webinar is presented by Dr. Patrick M. Kočovský, USGS and Nicole R. King, University of Toledo.

Asian Carp Education Delivery, Challenges, and Lessons Learned

Shelby Heath, Education liaison for the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) will describe her experiences delivering Asian Carp and invasive species education to over 3000 students across Ontario. In this webinar, Shelby will provide an overview of the classroom outreach program, how she has delivered education on Asian Carps to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, and some of the challenges associated with bringing this topic to classrooms across Ontario.

Socio Economic Risk Assessment of the Presence of Grass Carp in the Great Lakes Basin

“Socio-Economic Risk Assessment of the Presence of Grass Carp in the Great Lakes Basin” provides a detailed socio-economic analysis of the potential economic impact to Canada and the US of the establishment of Grass Carp in the Great Lakes. The study supplements the bi-national Ecological Risk Assessment of Grass Carp for the Great Lakes Basin (ERA) released in 2017. The Great Lakes are the world’s largest freshwater system, with 20% of the world’s fresh surface water and 95% of North America’s fresh surface water. The Great Lakes directly support the lives of approximately 40 million people in both the US and Canada. The Great Lakes are an important source of drinking water and support fish, wildlife, plants, thousands of wetlands and a variety of landscapes. They are home to commercial and recreational fisheries, numerous recreational activities, commercial transportation, and provide both tangible and intangible benefits to residents of Canada and the US.

Overview of Canadian Research on Asian Carp Prevention

The four invasive Asian carp species (Bighead, Silver, Black and Grass carp) represent an imminent threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem. These invaders would drastically alter native fish populations and habitats, which will also harm the commercial and recreational fishing industries. Due to this impending threat, scientific research is required to inform preventative strategies. This webinar will provide an overview of research in Canada directly related to the prevention of an Asian carp invasion. Examples of current research efforts include the development of models to determine which Canadian tributaries would be suitable to Asian carp spawning, and an evaluation of whether non-physical barriers would be effective in deterring the movement of Asian carps throughout high-risk tributaries. Additionally, risk assessments are being developed to inventory all potential paths of introduction, and their relative threat level. Canadian research forms a vital component of larger collaborative efforts to prevent the establishment of Asian carps in the Great Lakes. Presented by Paul Bzonek and Tej Heer from University of Toronto.

The Importance of Binational Collaboration in the Great Lakes Region to Address Asian Carps

Presented by Becky Cudmore from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Dr. Marc Gaden from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The binational Great Lakes ecosystem is currently under threat from four high risk Asian carp species, Grass, Bighead, Silver and Black carps. The prevention of establishment of these invasive fishes is an identified priority for both the Canadian and American governments. Collaboration between the two federal governments is key in addressing these species. This webinar will provide background on Great Lakes governance and authorities around fishery management. Information specific to Asian carp governance will also be given and how groups like the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee function to provide guidance. Examples of binational actions underway will highlight some of our successes and will include topics such as risk assessment, response, prevention, and enforcement. The webinar will end with a discussion on the importance of binational collaboration and where there are challenges.

Developing a Strategic Response Plan using ICS for Asian Carps in the Great

Presented by John Saunders, President/Owner of SEEMS (Saunders Enterprises & Emergency Management Services) and Becky Cudmore, Regional Manager, Aquatic Invasive Species Program at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, this webinar will review the history of the need and subsequent creation of a Strategic Response Plan specific to Asian carps. We will review the basics of the Incident Command Structure (ICS) and how it was used in the Strategic Plan. We will conclude with the highlights of the on-water large scale exercise that was run last Spring in Dunnville, Ontario. Lessons learned from the exercise will also be shared.

Asian Carps Enforcement Activities Approaches Across Great Lakes Jurisdictions

Presented by Brenda Koenig from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, this webinar will provide an overview of the approaches taken across Great Lakes jurisdictions to monitor adherence and promote compliance with applicable laws about Asian carps. The regulatory frameworks will be outlined with solutions that have been developed to address gaps. Selected outcomes from enforcement activities along the compliance continuum will be highlighted. Features of this talk include insights on monitoring programs, description of working arrangements with other agencies to detect and prevent entry of live Asian carps into various jurisdictions, and a summary of statistics on convictions relating to Asian carps and penalties/seizures associated with them.

Modeling Potential Effects of Bighead and Silver Carp on Great Lakes Food Webs

Asian carp threaten to invade the Great Lakes which could have negative ecological, economic and social consequences. Two of the four species in particular, bighead and silver carp,are a large threat due to their diet. They are voracious plankton feeders and have the potential to disrupt food webs. This webinar will be presented by three speakers. Dr. Edward Rutherford is a Research Fishery Biologist at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory where he focuses on population dynamics, early life history and habitat of Great Lakes and marine fishes. Dr. Doran Mason is a Research Ecologist at NOAA and his speciality is quantitative aquatic ecology. Jenny Apriesnig is a Ph. D. candidate at Colorado State University where she develops models to examine fisheries and invasive species issues. This webinar will discuss the potential effects that a silver carp and bighead carp invasion could have on Great Lakes food webs.

Binational Risk Assessment on Grass Carp

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Great Lakes Fishery Commission announced the results of a key risk assessment study on Grass Carp for the Great Lakes Basin. Grass Carp have been found in Lakes Michigan, Erie and Ontario and the ecological consequences in most areas of the Great Lakes basin could be extreme within the next 50 years. Lisa Jones will present on findings. She is a Visiting Fellow at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and has been working for the Asian Carp Program in the role of researcher and project manager of the ecological Grass Carp risk assessment for the Great Lakes basin. She has extensive experience in aquatic invasive species research, with a MSc and PhD from McGill University where she studied factors influencing the ecology of zebra and quagga mussels.

Grass Carp Initiatives in Ohio

Speaker John Navarro discusses the status of Grass Carp in Ohio and how Ohio is responding to the issue.

Confused with Carp' ID and Reporting: Brook Schryer

Brook Schryer, Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Liaison with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, will teach you about the main identification features of Asian carps and the species that get confused with carp! He will also walk you through how to report any invasive species using the Invading Species Hotline and EDDMapS Ontario. (Recorded live September 30, 2016).

Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Asian Carp Program - Where Are We Now: Becky Cudmore

An update on Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Asian Carp Program. Hear about the activities being done by the Program to prevent the introduction and establishment of Asian carps in the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes. Becky Cudmore, Asian Carp Program manager and Senior Advisor at Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Burlington will highlight some of the Program’s achievements as well as some lessons learned. The Program had a busy summer in 2015 with several Grass Carp captures and Becky will provide an update on those specimens.

Environmental DNA Monitoring for Detecting Invasive Species in Ontario Waterways: Chris Wilson

Dr. Chris Wilson discusses how early detection of aquatic invasive species is essential for developing and implementing rapid response strategies. Dr. Wilson describes how eDNA provides a sensitive method for targeted early detection of aquatic invasive species and can be valuable in detecting Asian carps in non-native waterways.

Canadian Research in Support of Asian Carp Management: Nicolas Mandrak

How can Canada contribute to research on Asian Carps if they are not currently established in Canada? Nick talks about research that is being done in support of Asian carp management without putting Canada’s aquatic ecosystems at risk. Topics include computer-based research on the potential spread, spawning, and impacts of bigheaded carps in the Great Lakes that was contributed by Canadian researchers in a recent binational risk assessment. Nick also discusses current Canadian research being conducted to better understand how fishes move through canals, an important pathway for invasive fishes, and how fish movement could be controlled if required. (Recorded live on December 3, 2014)

An Overview of Canada's Asian Carp Early Detection Monitoring Program: David Marson

David’s presentation focuses on the early detection monitoring component of DFO’s Asian Carp Program. The selection process for locations that will be used as early detection sites is discussed, as well as the variety of traditional and non-traditional fishing gears and deployment methods currently being used to target Asian carps. A review of the 2013 catch data, and a brief summary of 2014 sampling, is also covered. (Recorded live on November 25, 2014)

Multi-jurisdictional Approach to Asian carp: Kevin Irons

Kevin Irons, Aquaculture and Aquatic Nuisance Species Program Manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources talks about why Asian carps are an issue in the U.S. and why stakeholders are “doing battle” with them in Illinois. He describes the efforts underway across the Great Lakes in Monitoring and Response including information on the Chicago Area Waterways, the USACE electric barriers and Asian carp population controls currently being used. Kevin also discusses the development of partnerships across geographic borders regarding information sharing, techniques, expertise and mutual aid agreements. (Recorded live on November 12, 2014)

Asian Carp 101: Becky Cudmore

Becky Cudmore, Senior Science Advisor and manager of the Asian Carp Program at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), discusses the biology of these invasive fishes and the risk they pose to Canadian waters. Becky also describes DFO’s Asian Carp Program and what is being done to protect the Canadian Great Lakes from this threat. (Recorded live on October 9, 2014)