Invasive species found in Lake Joanis

STEVENS POINT—An invasive fish species was recently detected in Lake Joanis within Schmeeckle Reserve.

Round gobies were recently found in Lake Joanis, the 24-acre lake located within Schmeeckle Reserve on the UW-Stevens Point campus. Faculty and staff in the College of Natural Resources are working collaboratively with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to monitor the lake, determine the extent of round gobies in the lake, identify key management aspects of their biology, including their age, diets, and specific locations and identify appropriate next steps.

Round gobies are an invasive species that can compete with native fish for food and habitat and eat the eggs and young of other fish. Once established, they are extremely difficult to eradicate.

“This is a serious invasive species, and we need to understand what this detection means for Lake Joanis,” said Brian Sloss, dean of the College of Natural Resources. “At the same time, it provides a real-world learning opportunity for our students. They can be involved in the research and monitoring process and see firsthand how natural resource professionals respond to an emerging issue. We also have an opportunity to use this to educate our broader community about invasive species and the steps all of us can take to protect Wisconsin’s waters.”

Preventing the movement of invasive species is one of the most effective ways people can protect Wisconsin's lakes and rivers. Boaters, anglers, and other water users should:

• Inspect boats, trailers, fishing equipment, and other gear for plants, animals, and mud before leaving the water.
• Remove all attached plants, animals and mud.
• Drain water from boats, motors, live wells, bait buckets, and other equipment.
• Never move live fish or other aquatic organisms from one waterbody to another.
• Never release unused bait into the water.
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash or as directed by local regulations.
• Dry equipment thoroughly before using it in another waterbody.

Round gobies are a restricted species in Wisconsin, meaning live specimens cannot legally be transported, transferred, or introduced in the state.