A closer look at web tools and sites that boost research and empower Great Lakes communities to secure a healthy environment and economy.
Hundreds of invasive species are on the loose in U.S. waters wreaking havoc on habitats, recreation, and economies. Fortunately, a team of student detectives are on the case and ready to book these “bad guys” with help from Nab the Aquatic Invader!
This educational website turns students grades 4-10 into PIs hot on the trail of some of the worst invaders in their region. After brushing up on detailed profiles complete with interrogation recordings, students take part in ongoing investigations led by veteran gumshoes. Whether they join as junior detectives or super sleuths, students learn to ID the suspects, expose the damage they cause, and stop invaders before they strike again.
The site also includes a teacher Top Desk Administrator with example projects that give students a chance to share what they’ve learned with their communities. Along with detailed summary reports, these examples make it easy for teachers to plan and implement successful AIS stewardship projects in their own classroom.
But you don’t have to go online to crack a case. A suite of card games and posters inspired by the website are also available. Students and adults alike can even join the hunt for the most wanted AIS at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in D.C. and at Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers throughout the country.
Nab the Aquatic Invader! was created by IISG and Sea Grant programs in New York, Louisiana, Connecticut, and Oregon.
About Newsroom Aquatic Invasive Species Website of the week: Be an AIS super sleuth
Recent News
- Tomas Höök reflects on a legacy of leadership, collaboration and impact at IISG
- Freshwater jellyfish may increase in numbers as Illinois and Indiana waters continue to warm
- Tomas Höök signing off as Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant director this summer
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant welcomes Stuart Carlton as the program’s new director
- Four Illinois and Indiana educators will set sail on Lake Michigan aboard EPA’s research ship
IISG Instagram
Tomas Höök has left an incredible mark during his time as Director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, and now he’s reflecting on a legacy filled with leadership, collaboration, and impact. From expanding our aquaculture and education programs, to helping communities make sense of the effects of Lake Michigan’s shifting shorelines — his work has helped grow what we do and who we serve.
Read the full feature at the link in bio to see what he’ll carry forward in his new role as Head of Purdue’s Department of Forestry & Natural Resources.

The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative is hosting a webinar on Friday, September 12th at 11:00am CT / 12:00pm ET. Join us for the seminar "Red Swamp Crayfish Telemetry Across Seasons and Techniques" presented by post-doctoral researcher Dr. William Ota of Michigan State University. Dr. Ota will present his research on red swamp crayfish movement ecology, which involves the use of both radio and acoustic telemetry.
Register at the link in bio.

In late July, formal and non-formal educators joined @nature_indiana, @indianadnr Division of Nature Preserves, and @lakecountyparks for a workshop exploring ecological restoration in the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern.
Participants toured restored sites in East Chicago and Hammond, engaged with experts in sediment remediation and habitat restoration, and experienced a cutting-edge Virtual Reality curriculum aligned with NGSS for grades 6–12.
From industrial past to ecological renewal, educators left inspired and equipped to bring local environmental stories into their classrooms.
Learn more about the VR Tour at the link in bio.
#TeachingTuesday

Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, leading outdoor programs, or developing community science initiatives, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant offers free, high-quality educational resources to support your work.
🔗 Dive into lesson plans, activities, and professional development opportunities: https://iiseagrant.org/education/
Empowering educators to connect learners with the Great Lakes and beyond. 🌎💧
#TeachingTuesday
