Wildlife

Invasive Species: Asian Carp

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By Evan KreagerGreat Lakes EchoAsian carp may be one of the better known of the many aquatic invasive species attempting to make their way into the Great Lakes basin. They are one of the five “usual suspects” recognized by The Nature Conservancy in a public awareness campaign. Big head and silver are the most common types of carp, having been spotted in 18 different states, according to The Nature Conservancy. Big head carp can grow up to 60 inches and weigh over 100 pounds. Silver carp are a bit smaller, with a length of about 40 inches and a weight of 60 pounds.

Wildlife

Wildlife Forever announces 16th annual State-Fish Art contest

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The contest originated in Minnesota in 1999 to promote learning about state fish.The deadline is fast approaching for Wildlife Forever’s annual State-Fish Art Contest! To enter, students (K-12) must submit a portfolio that consists of a handmade artistic depiction of the fish in its natural habitat and a brief personal essay. Entries may be submitted about any state fish or fish of Ontario, Canada. Winners are grouped by grade level and are chosen for artwork and written work, on both the state and national level. Entries must be received by March 31, 2014.

Wildlife

Poet, artist explore birds

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What started as a note on a friend’s windshield evolved into “The Unauthorized Audubon,” a whimsical poetry and art book that offers a peek into a world of quirky imaginary birds.

Wildlife

New permits allow fish net pens

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The program allows nonprofit groups to place net pens in Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and their tributaries to increase fish for recreational anglers.

Michigan and New York already allow such pens.

Wildlife

Invasive Species: Round Goby

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By Evan KreagerGreat Lakes Echo

The Nature Conservancy has named the round goby one of the five “usual suspects” invading the Great Lakes basin. Round gobies are native to the Black and Caspian seas, but have found their way into the Mississippi River as well as Lake Michigan. These fish have a heightened ability to sense water movement, allowing them to feed in the dark. Round gobies feed on native fish and their eggs, and have a “blood vendetta” against zebra mussels, according The Nature Conservancy. These gobies can grow up to 10 inches in length and somewhat resemble an overgrown tadpole with black, gray or brown skin.

Wildlife

Invasive Species: Eurasian Ruffe

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By Evan KreagerGreat Lakes Echo

The Nature Conservancy has named Eurasian Ruffe, a fish native to northern Europe and Asia, as one of the five “usual suspects” in the Great Lakes basin. This fish has invaded northern Lake Michigan and feeds on native fish eggs. It has sharp spines on its fins making it difficult for predators to catch and eat, giving it the nickname, “Dagger Fin.”

Eurasian Ruffe are generally just under a half a foot in length and have an olive or golden-brown color.

Wildlife

Experts warn against osprey nest removal

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As osprey populations continue to increase, so do the issues that they face in a changing environment.

Experts are spreading the word that extreme caution needs to be taken concerning the birds’ nests on cell phone and powerline towers.

Wildlife

Invasive Species: Zebra Mussels

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Zebra mussels are one of five aquatic invasive species that The Nature Conservancy has deemed “‘the usual suspects’ doing the most damage in the Great Lakes basin and beyond.”

Originally from Eastern Europe and western Russia, zebra mussels are the only freshwater mussels that can attach directly to other objects. They most likely have come over attached to the bottoms of ships. Once here, the mussels grow in population rapidly. Zebra mussels can produce 100,000 to 500,000 eggs per year, according to The Nature Conservancy. Nicknamed “the Silent Strangler,” these pests smother native freshwater mussels and kill plankton that some fish need to survive.