The use of live crayfish in classrooms has been identified as a pathway for the introduction of invasive crayfish into our local waterways. To address this issue, the Investigating Crayfish and Freshwater Ecosystems curriculum was developed to teach students about Great Lakes ecosystems, the significance of native crayfish, and the ecological threats posed by invasive crayfish. It contains nine lesson plans aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, and Center for Great Lakes Literacy Principles. The curriculum is best suited for students in grades 6-12 but offers numerous adaptations/extensions to meet the divergent needs of students in grades 2–5.

This document is available on the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative website: https://invasivecrayfish.org/crayfish-curriculum/

Invasive crayfish pose a significant and ongoing threat to aquatic ecosystems in the Laurentian Great Lakes (GL) region. Coordination and communication among crayfish stakeholders are crucial for effective management. The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative (ICC) brings industry, science, and land management stakeholders together to enhance the management of invasive crayfish in the GL. To systematically guide the direction of the ICC and help facilitate the coordination of research, collaboration, and outreach, a five-year strategic plan was developed. This plan, informed by data from ICC surveys, workshops, and external feedback, outlines priority projects designed to equip stakeholders and partners with the necessary resources to effectively tackle the challenges presented by invasive crayfish. This plan plays a key role in highlighting the collective vision for crayfish management and ultimately contributes to the protection of native species and preservation of our aquatic ecosystems.

Invasive crayfish pose a substantial threat to aquatic habitats in the Great Lakes Region because of their ability to reduce habitat quality and dramatically alter aquatic food webs. Currently, efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive crayfish consist largely of reducing the size of existing populations and encouraging people to refrain from releasing crayfish into new bodies of water. The ICC focuses on improving upon our collective management and outreach capabilities.

For more detailed information, visit Invasive Crayfish Collaborative

This booklet describes some of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s success stories from 2017.

Overview of impacts and accomplishments of AIS group.

This publication brings together program impacts from the 2018-2019 Sea Grant year.

This is a wallet card-sized brochure that will be distributed to boaters and anglers by Illinois Conservation Police Officers. The brochure contains Illinois’ aquatic invasive species laws and additional recommended actions these audiences can take to prevent the spread of invasive species.

This handy 2.75″ x 4″ magnet provides some useful alternatives to releasing unwanted aquarium pets or plants into lakes and rivers.

Write to thallesy@illinois.edu for a free magnet.

Information poster about the importance of not dumping bait to prevent aquatic invasive species spread.