Scott F. Colborne, PhD
Research Biologist & Instructor
Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Over the past two centuries, more than 180 species of plants and animals have been introduced into the Great Lakes, some of which have become headline grabbing invasive species due to their impacts on water quality, animals, and humans. From sea lamprey, feared as ‘vampires’ for latching onto the sides of fishes, to the tiny zebra mussels that filter vast quantities of nearly microscopic food from the water, there is much to be concerned about these invasive species. However, there is also hope as some native species show resiliency towards the changing environment around them.
This talk will describe the history of a few key invasive species, some of the success’s humans have had learning from invasions, and the resiliency of native species in the Great Lakes. A unique and changing environment unlike any other around the world, the Great Lakes have many stories to tell, and in this talk, we will delve below the surface to discuss the relationships between our native and invasive species that are shaping the Great Lakes as we know them today.