Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana
Illinois conservation officers learn to ID AIS
Conservation police officers enforce regulations regarding the possession and use of potentially harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS) as well as interact with groups that are at risk of spreading AIS such as boaters, anglers, and aquarium hobbyists. However, officers do not always have the training to feel confident in their ability to distinguish between native and non-native species of aquatic plants and animals.
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant hosted a half-day workshop on state AIS regulations and species identification as part of an annual training meeting for Illinois conservation police officers in 2024 in Decatur, Illinois. Invasive species experts provided officers with hands-on experience identifying fish, plant, and crayfish species and the opportunity to handle live and preserved specimens. We also provided the officers with resources on species identification as well as about laws and enforcement options for species covered in the workshop.
Working with partners, we trained 102 officers during the workshop. After the workshop, officers reported higher confidence in AIS education as compared with reported levels in a pre-workshop survey. Officers also reported high levels of knowledge recall, skill development, workshop engagement, and application of what was learned to a broader context.
Recent News
- IISG’s Eliana Brown wins 2025 Illinois Extension Excellence Award
- We’re hiring eight interns for summer 2026
- In 2026, IISG intends to fund 10 research projects focused on coastal concerns
- IISG looks back on 30 years of AIS outreach
- New step-by-step guide and veterinary brochures expand UnwantedMeds.org resources
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From supporting cutting-edge research to empowering educators, students, and Great Lakes communities, 2025 was a year of collaboration, learning, and impact.
Thank you to our partners, researchers, educators, and community members who made it all possible. Here’s to another year of protecting, exploring, and sustaining the Great Lakes!
Register Now for HASTI 2026! The early bird registration rate expires tomorrow!
We’re excited to be presenting The Watershed Game at the conference. The game is a hands-on activity that helps educators and students explore water quality, land use, and community decision-making.
✅ Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow educators and bring new tools to your classroom!
📅 Event Details & Registration at the link in bio.
Keeping on top of your farm finances can be a daunting task, but knowing what numbers to track, what the numbers mean, when to spend, and when to save can be critical for the long-term health of your aquaculture business finances.
This webinar series will provide you with an overview of practical information for managing your farm’s finances. All webinars begin at 12pm ET. Registrants will be sent a webinar recording. All recordings will be added to a YouTube playlist on Ohio Sea Grant and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant YouTube pages.
Learn more at the link in bio.
Educators—this is for you!
Unlock the potential of Great Lakes education with the latest issue of the Center for Great Lakes Literacy newsletter. Explore exciting opportunities like vessel-based learning, an aquaculture competition, and classroom-ready resources on maritime heritage, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and more!
Learn more at the link in bio.
