The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) announces the launch of five new research projects, alongside investment in seven ongoing projects entering their next phase of research. Together, these projects reflect MAISRC’s commitment to advancing science-based solutions to prevent, detect, and manage aquatic invasive species threatening Minnesota’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
The new projects were selected through a competitive proposal process informed by a comprehensive research needs assessment. Beginning in January 2026, MAISRC researchers will advance new science focused on ecosystem impacts, emerging threats, and innovative management tools. The newly funded projects include:
- Integrating Ecosystem Services into Aquatic Invasive Species Management, led by Dr. Amy Kinsley, which will quantify how AIS affect the economic and ecological benefits of Minnesota waters and develop decision-support tools to guide management under changing climate conditions.
- Towards Genetic Manipulation of Zebra Mussels, led by Dr. Daryl Gohl, which will address key technical barriers by developing genetic tools, identifying target genes, and improving laboratory cultivation methods for zebra mussels.
- The Impact of Mystery Snails on Food Webs, led by Dr. Amber Ulseth, which will examine how invasive mystery snails alter shoreline food webs by comparing lakes with and without established populations.
- Mystery Snail Habitat Preferences – Threats to Wild Rice, led by Dr. Valerie Brady, which will assess mystery snail distribution, population density, overlap with wild rice beds, and potential risks to this culturally and ecologically important resource.
- Investigating the Case of Invasive Mystery Snails, led by Dr. Junaed Sattar, which will combine innovative technologies with volunteer-based monitoring to assess mystery snail distribution and abundance, while engaging stakeholders to evaluate social and ecological impacts.
In addition to launching these new efforts, MAISRC is continuing several multi-year projects that build on prior findings and address persistent and emerging AIS challenges across the state. Ongoing projects include:
- Enzyme-Based Coatings for Sustainable AIS and Biofouling Control, led by Dr. Mikael Elias, advancing non-toxic, enzyme-based coatings to prevent zebra mussel attachment through scalable production, field validation, and ecotoxicity testing.
- AIS and Mercury: Understanding Pathways and Potential Solutions, led by Dr. Gretchen Hansen, investigating how zebra mussels and starry stonewort influence mercury cycling and fish bioaccumulation to inform mitigation strategies and consumption guidance.
- Evaluating CO₂ and Sound Deterrents in a Model Lock and Dam, led by Dr. Allen Mensinger, assessing the effectiveness of combined deterrent technologies and water flow manipulation to limit bigheaded carp movement and improve removal efficiency.
- Cultivating Resilience: Native Revegetation for AIS Resistance, led by Dr. Dan Larkin, conducting in-lake and laboratory experiments to evaluate native plant species and revegetation strategies that may reduce vulnerability to invasive species.
- Starry Stonewort and Wild Rice: Assessment and Response, led by Dr. Dan Larkin, continuing field studies, experiments, and engagement with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe to better understand risks to wild rice and translate findings into response strategies.
- Surveillance and Risk Management of Chytrid Fungi in Amphibians, led by Dr. Amy Kinsley, expanding statewide surveillance and eDNA monitoring while integrating risk models with amphibian conservation priorities.
- Genetic Control of Invasive Fish, led by Dr. Michael Smanski, advancing research on self-limiting genetic control approaches, including incompatible male release and sex ratio biasing, informed by extensive stakeholder engagement.
Collectively, these new and continuing projects highlight MAISRC’s interdisciplinary approach to aquatic invasive species research—bringing together ecological, genetic, technological, economic, and social science expertise to deliver practical, effective solutions that protect Minnesota’s waters now and into the future.