MAISRC in the News

Researchers target zebra mussel larvae in new study

July 22, 2016

A study began in Lake Minnetonka this week on a potential new method to effectively manage zebra mussel populations.

During three separate weeks between now and mid-August, low levels of a federally approved copper-based product, EarthTec QZ, are being applied in six enclosures near the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka’s Robinson’s Bay in Deephaven. Following each application, researchers will evaluate the impact of different concentrations of the product on the survival of zebra mussel larvae, called veligers.

Researchers from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota are partnering on the project. Their goal is to decrease the overall zebra mussel population by targeting the invasive species at its earliest stage.


New tactic in the fight against zebra mussels will be tested on Lake Minnetonka

July 22, 2016

The science lab is moving to Lake Minnetonka.

To protect the waters of the Twin Cities’ largest and most popular lake from invasive species, researchers are using Minnetonka as the testing ground for a new study. Crews this week started testing low doses of a copper-based pesticide on zebra mussel larvae — called “veligers” — to kill them off and slow their spread.


Changing up the fight against zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka

June 15, 2016

The Tonka Bay Marina announced they are partnering with The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, the Brunswick Freshwater Boat Group and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to launch new research program aimed at reducing the spread of invasive zebra mussels by recreational boaters.


U research targets zebra mussel

June 1, 2016

As several Minnesota lakes continue to be infested by zebra mussels, University of Minnesota researchers are helping boat companies understand how humans spread the invasive species.
 


Sound waves may keep invasive carp from moving north

May 31, 2016

Hear that? It's a new weapon in the war against invasive carp.

University of Minnesota researcher Peter Sorensen is testing his theory along the Mississippi River at Lock and Dam Number 8 near LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
 


Hitchhikers: The unintentional transportation of zebra mussels

May 26, 2016

Is it possible we're transporting varmints like zebra mussels in ways we don't realize? MPR News host Tom Weber and researcher Adam Doll talked about these trouble-making hitchhikers.

Listen to the interview with MAISRC graduate student Adam Doll here.


Battling Aquatic Invasive Species

May 17, 2016

The University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brunswick Freshwater Boat Group and Tonka Bay Marina have partnered to launch research aimed at reducing the spread of invasive zebra mussels by recreational boaters.
 


Why Researchers Want to Look Inside Your Boat this Summer

May 11, 2016

A big announcement is expected Thursday about a first-of-its-kind research project to stop the spread of zebra mussels in Minnesota waters.  


Boost the fight against Minnesota's newest aquatic invader

April 13, 2016

Minnesota’s newest aquatic invader, an algae with a disarmingly cartoonish name of starry stonewort, didn’t just establish a beachhead in the state. By the time it was discovered last August, the infestation had grown into a massive colony — first estimated at 53 acres but now believed to cover 250 or more — in central Minnesota’s popular Lake Koronis and connected waterways.


Starry stonewort discovery prompts efforts to stop algae

April 11, 2016

Minnesota's first confirmed infestation of starry stonewort has generated a coordinated response to stopping the invasive grass-like algae in Lake Koronis.