Chicago, IL (August 8, 2018) – Earlier today, Cornell University Biological Field Station announced the discovery of two new non-native species of zooplankton – Diaphanosoma fluviatile and Mesocyclops pehpeiensis – in the Great Lakes. In reaction to the announcement, Alliance for the Great Lakes Vice President of Policy Molly Flanagan made the following statement.
“The discovery of two new non-native zooplankton in the Great Lakes is concerning news. The fact that these are the third and fourth non-native zooplankton found in Lake Erie in the past three years is an alarming trend.
While we may not yet know how these two new species entered the Great Lakes, we do know that once in the lakes aquatic species are easily moved from lake to lake by ships. As a result, a new non-native species in one Great Lake pose a potential risk for the entire region.
Today’s announcement is a reminder for the Great Lakes region of the need for strong ballast water standards and ballast water treatment on board all ships operating on the Great Lakes. Additionally, it is a reminder of the critical need for ongoing monitoring for new non-native species in the Great Lakes. We applaud the team at Cornell University Biological Field Station for their ongoing research in this field. ”
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Media contact: Jennifer Caddick, (312) 445-9760, jcaddick@greatlakes.org