USGS Newsroom

Determining Rivers Vulnerable to Asian Carp Spawning in the Great Lakes Basin

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EDT

Great Lakes resource managers can now determine rivers that may be vulnerable to Asian carp spawning if they were to spread into the Great Lakes Basin, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey report.

Findings indicate that two species of Asian carp—silver and bighead carp—may be able to spawn in more Great Lakes tributaries than previously estimated. This information could help resource managers implement control measures and potentially prevent Asian carp from becoming established in the Great Lakes.

This forward-looking study characterized the minimum habitat requirements for successful Asian carp spawning. Results indicate that Asian carp can successfully spawn in river stretches as short as 16 miles, which is considerably shorter than the 62 miles previously thought to be required. Scientists analyzed water temperature, streamflow and water quality in two Lake Michigan tributaries (the Milwaukee and St. Joseph rivers) and two Lake Erie tributaries (the Maumee and Sandusky rivers). Findings and techniques from this report can be used to identify other rivers vulnerable to Asian carp spawning in the future.

"If Asian carp spread into the Great Lakes, knowing where to expect them to spawn is a critical step in controlling these invasive species," said USGS scientist Elizabeth Murphy. "Our study combines the biology of Asian carp early life stages with the physics of rivers to identify potential spawning tributaries, thus giving managers an opportunity to develop targeted control strategies."

Although Asian carps primarily live in slow-moving water, they require streams with a fast current, sufficient length and turbulence to spawn. After eggs are released, they drift in the current while developing. The eggs are slightly heavier than water and require turbulent flowing water to remain adrift. A long stretch of uninterrupted river provides a better chance for the eggs to survive and hatch. If the eggs sink to the bottom and gather in areas with slower flows, known as "settling zones," they generally die. Dams, for example, could help prevent eggs from drifting and developing by slowing water current and creating settling zones.

All four Great Lakes tributaries studied exhibited sufficient temperatures, water-quality characteristics, turbulence and transport times outside of settling zones for Asian carp eggs to mature and hatch. Even though all four rivers had settling zones, findings indicate that under the right temperature and flow conditions, river reaches as short as 16 miles may allow Asian carp eggs sufficient time to develop to the hatching stage.

Two species of Asian carps (bighead carp and silver carp) are threatening to spread into the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River Basin. Asian carp are invasive species that could pose substantial environmental risks and economic impacts to the Great Lakes if they become established.

This USGS report was funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative as administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Preventing establishment remains the main objective of ongoing efforts of the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC), a partnership of federal and state agencies, municipalities and other groups, led by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Actions of the ACRCC are diverse; they include aggressive tracking and monitoring of Asian carp, evaluating electric dispersal barriers in the Chicago Area Waterways System preventing movement toward Lake Michigan, and developing new technologies to control the abundance and distribution of Asian carp.

Trace Pollutants Found in Milwaukee-Area Streams

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Tue, 28 May 2013 14:06:24 EDT

Contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found at low concentrations in southeast Wisconsin streams may be harmful to aquatic life, according to a study published today by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Scientists with the USGS and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) detected 64 organic waste compounds, or micropollutants—including PAHs, fire retardants, fuels, herbicides, insecticides, antimicrobial disinfectants, detergent byproducts, flavors/fragrances, and non-prescription human drugs—in stream sediment, stream water, and harbor water samples collected in and around Milwaukee, Wisc., between 2006 and 2009.

“In general, concentrations were low and similar to those found in other studies around the U.S.,” said Austin Baldwin, USGS scientist and lead author of the study. “However, samples from some sites had concentrations high enough to potentially affect aquatic organisms.”

One or more of the compounds were detected in all 196 samples collected, with most samples having 12 or more. The Kinnickinnic River had the highest detection rates and concentrations of compounds of all the 17 sampled sites, while the Milwaukee River near Cedarburg and the Outer Milwaukee Harbor had the lowest. The study found that, overall, urban stream samples were more contaminated than rural samples in the Milwaukee area.

The most common and highly concentrated compounds detected in the study were PAHs. In sediment samples from several streams, and in water samples collected during runoff periods from several streams, PAH concentrations were shown to be greater than levels considered harmful to aquatic life.

Common sources of PAHs include coal-tar-based pavement sealants, coal-fired power plants, wood burning, and vehicle emissions. The USGS and MMSD are planning a follow-up study focused on identifying the major sources of PAHs to streams to help guide future watershed management decisions.

The MMSD has been funding the monitoring of micropollutants in area waterways since 2004, and has taken a number of steps to minimize them, including sponsoring household hazardous waste and medicine collection programs. Since the inception of these two programs, over 7,000 tons of household hazardous waste and 21 tons of unused medicine have been collected and properly disposed.

Chemicals used in agriculture, industry, and households—including those detected in the USGS study—make their way into surface waters through stormwater runoff, atmospheric deposition, leaking sanitary-conveyance systems, improperly functioning septic systems, regulated and unregulated discharges, combined sewer overflows, and improper disposal such as people dumping oil down storm sewers.

Many of these compounds are toxic at elevated concentrations and known to have endocrine-disrupting potential, which means that they could interfere with animals’ hormone systems and potentially cause cancer, birth defects, or other disorders.

The study also analyzed sediment and water samples for 27 known or suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals. All but three of the chemicals were detected at least once, with most samples containing four or more.

Other compounds with high detection rates and/or concentrations included caffeine; the herbicides Atrazine and Dichlorophenyl isocyanate; the insecticide Carbazole; Anthraquinone, which is a pigment; Tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, a fire retardant; and Nonylphenol, which may come from a number of sources including detergents.

For more information, please visit the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center website.

USGS to Receive New Great Lakes Research Vessel

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EDT

Ann Arbor, Mich. – The U.S. Geological Survey awarded a contract last Friday for the construction of a large research vessel for Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior to Burger Boat Company of Manitowoc, Wis.

The vessel will replace the 38-year-old Grayling, bringing the USGS Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) large vessel fleet up-to-date. The new Grayling will be stationed at the USGS base in Cheboygan, Mich., and will incorporate modern marine standards and state-of-the-art technology to more safely and effectively conduct fisheries research.

"I am delighted to have achieved this important milestone that will benefit the Great Lakes region for many decades," said USGS GLSC Director Russell Strach. "This investment would not have been possible without the support from many key partners. The new research vessel will come fully equipped with 21^st century laboratories and scientific instrumentation to support fishery science for the Great Lakes."

The funding for this expenditure was accrued from two prior appropriations and held in an account that was not affected by the sequester.

The replacement vessel is expected to be a commercial grade 78-foot vessel, and will be designed and constructed for a 40 to 50-year service life. This vessel will be capable of performing critical scientific and mission-related tasks, including dragging nets along the lake bottom, catching fish, and using sound-waves to detect fish and assess their abundance.

"The entire Burger team is very excited to be awarded this significant contract," said Jim Ruffolo, President and CEO of Burger Boat Company. "The Grayling will further reinforce Burger’s commitment to designing and constructing quality vessels that meet each owner’s specific requirements, whether they are custom yachts or commercial vessels."

This new contract will create additional highly skilled shipbuilding jobs at the Manitowoc shipyard, and the project will help support numerous companies that supply raw materials and equipment for the project.

For over 50 years the USGS GLSC has operated a unique and valuable deepwater fish ecology and assessment program that is the foundation for fisheries management throughout the Great Lakes.

Burger, at 150 years old, is one of the world's oldest shipyards. From its facility in Manitowoc, Wis., Burger's craftsmen have built hundreds of high quality vessels as long as 260 feet (80 meters) that can be found in ports around the world. Today, Burger continues its legacy of designing and building vessels to the highest standard from its fully updated shipyard.

JMS Naval Architects of Mystic, Conn., developed the preliminary design of the new Grayling.

The USGS GLSC maintains a fleet of fishery research vessels on each of the Great Lakes to meet the scientific research needs of state, tribal, and federal resource managers for understanding and effectively managing the Great Lakes fishery.

For more information on the USGS GLSC, visit their website.

From Streets to Streams: Urban Sediment in Wisconsin can be Toxic

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:29:42 EDT

Sediment that gets washed away from urban areas can be toxic to aquatic life, according to a recent study by the U. S. Geological Survey.

High levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found in the majority of sand and silt samples collected in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisc. Coal-tar-based sealcoat—the black, shiny substance sprayed or painted on many parking lots, driveways, and playgrounds— was determined to be the major source. PAHs are an environmental health concern because several are probable human carcinogens and they are toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

Scientists measured concentrations of select metals and PAHs in the particles that make up urban sediment from 2009 through 2011. Metals were found at high, but not toxic, levels, with the major source likely from automobiles. These findings may help environmental managers make informed decisions on how to best to mitigate pollution from urban stormwater. The full USGS report is available online.

"This study demonstrates the power of USGS science to determine not only what components of the sediment load in urban streams are harmful, but also what is the likely source of those worrisome sediments," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "Armed with this information, anyone who cares about maintaining a healthy environment for people and wildlife can take action to keep harmful sources from contributing to urban waterways."

This study measured concentrations of select trace metals and PAHs in both the silt and sand particles of urban sediment. Many treatment structures are designed to capture coarse sediment but do not work well to similarly capture the finer particles. Scientists analyzed four sources: street dirt, solids that flow toward the bottom of a storm sewer (stormwater bed), solids suspended in stormwater, and sediment found at the bottom of urban streams (streambed).

Concentrations were used to assess the aquatic toxicity potential of sediment based on published sediment quality guidelines. All sources of sediment showed some level of toxic potential with stormwater bed sediment the highest followed by stormwater suspended, street dirt, and streambed. Concentrations of urban contaminants in sediments, such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons, have been reported to increase with decreasing particle size.

Based on evidence from previous USGS studies, Dane County, Wisc. banned the use and sale of coal-tar sealcoat in 2007. Bans have been enacted in the state of Washington, the District of Columbia. and thirty municipalities and three counties in five states (Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin), affecting almost 11.9 million people. Several national and regional hardware and home-improvement retailers have voluntarily ceased selling coal-tar-based driveway-sealer products.

Scientists were able to determine the source of PAHs by analyzing their chemical “fingerprint.” PAH concentration profiles from all sediment sources were strongly correlated to coal tar sealants. This means that the chemical makeup of sediment is very similar to coal-tar sealcoat.

Coal-tar sealcoat products are widely used in the U.S., both commercially and by homeowners. The products are commonly applied to commercial parking lots (including strip malls, schools, churches and shopping centers), residential driveways, apartment complexes and playgrounds. Two kinds of sealcoat products are widely used: coal-tar-emulsion based and asphalt-emulsion based. The coal-tar products have PAH levels about 1,000 times higher than the asphalt products. To learn more, visit the USGS website on PAHs and sealcoat.

Science Working to Combat Deadly White Nose Syndrome in Bats

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EDT

New findings on white-nose syndrome are bringing scientists closer to slowing the spread of this deadly bat disease, according to recent and ongoing studies by the U.S. Geological Survey.

WNS has killed more than 5 million bats since it first appeared in New York in 2007, and the disease, caused by the fungus Geomyces destructans, has spread to 19 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces (view map).

USGS science is providing the foundation for informed decisions to manage this wildlife disease. Recent studies have defined the effects of temperature on the growth of the WNS-causing fungus, G. destructans; uncovered more knowledge about cave ecosystems; and developed better WNS testing techniques. These studies will ultimately serve to better define how environmental conditions influence development of WNS in bats.

"The USGS research to combat white nose syndrome lies in what scientists call 'Pasteur's Quadrant': it is not only of immediate and intense need because of the havoc that this disease is causing to an economically important animal, but it also advances the frontier of understanding of how fungi thrive in the environment," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "The race is on: scientist versus fungus, with the survival of several important species of bats at stake."

In an article recently published in PLoS ONE, scientists at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center have shown in the laboratory that small changes in temperature, consistent with those found in bat caves, affect the overall growth rate and physiology of the WNS-causing fungus, G. destructans.

Within caves or mines, temperature and humidity variations in small areas within the sites — or microclimates — provide different environments for bats to hibernate. Different species of bats prefer different microclimate conditions for hibernation, which has been proposed as one of the reasons why some bat species may be more susceptible to WNS than others.

USGS scientists, in collaboration with EcoHealth Alliance and other agencies, are now expanding upon this work and comparing these microclimatic variables to the presence and abundance of the WNS- causing fungus in the environment and on bats. These findings will be used to predict the distribution of G. destructans within bat caves and to estimate the potential for progression of WNS at hibernation sites across the landscape.

In two additional studies, published in the journal Mycologia, USGS and U.S. Forest Service scientists teamed up with others to learn more about the fungal ecology of bat hibernation sites and developed an improved diagnostic test for the fungus. Researchers examined G. destructans within the broader group of related Geomyces fungal species, most of which do not cause disease in bats, but are common in bat caves. This information is helping scientists to understand more about the diversity of related fungi in bat caves as well as the delicate ecology of these underground ecosystems. These findings were then used in the second study to develop a new highly sensitive and specific test that can differentiate between G. destructans and similar fungal species. This test serves as a reliable tool for enhanced diagnosis and surveillance of WNS.

Partnerships among agencies – federal, state, tribal, academic, and NGOs – are essential to combating WNS. In particular, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) funded multi-agency studies that address priorities of the WNS National Plan for assisting multiple entities to manage WNS. Over the past three years, USGS scientists have published over 30 scientific articles contributing to the ever increasing understanding of this deadly disease.

More information on white-nose syndrome in bats can be found at:

Youth at USGS: Aaron Cupp Helps Ensure Safe Drugs for Aquatic Species

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Fri, 7 Sep 2012 8:01:44 EDT

My name is Aaron Cupp, and I am a student employee at the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) in La Crosse, WI. Currently, I am in my second year of graduate school at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in the College of Natural Resources with the aim of completing a Master of Science degree in Fisheries. In 2011, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in chemistry.

My master's thesis research focuses on the effects of using sedatives to aid in the transport of live finfish. Sedatives can be beneficial when live fish are transported for supplemental stocking into public waterways and when they are supplied to live markets for human consumption.

How did you start working for the USGS?

In 2009 while attending UW-La Crosse as an undergraduate student, I applied to UMESC for a Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) position within the Aquatic Ecosystem Health branch. While many summer jobs can be a dime a dozen for college students, I knew that this position would allow me to gain valuable experience in assisting and conducting biological research. Eventually, it presented me with the opportunity to continue my employment at UMESC as a graduate student working on a specific UMESC research project.

USGS student employee Aaron Cupp helps position cameras by boat for monitoring fish behavior in 0.5 acre outdoor earthen ponds. Ponds are used for both research and fish production at the UMESC facility in La Crosse, WI. (Full size image)

Yellow perch fingerlings are grown in warmer temperatures to achieve desired weights and length for studies. USGS student employee Aaron Cupp conducts daily activities of monitoring, feeding and cleaning of all test fish. Healthy fish are the basis for quality research at UMESC. (Full size image)

What is a day in your life like?

Research at the USGS Aquatic Ecosystem Health branch mainly involves generating data for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Specifically, USGS investigations help determine the safety and effectiveness of aquaculture drugs as well as develop new methods to control invasive species such as zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), and Asian carps.

USGS student employee Aaron Cupp driving a tractor. All studies require construction of aquaculture systems tailored to the goal of each study. Aquaculture systems range from small aquaria to complex recirculating aquaculture systems. (Full size image)

UMESC conducts research on various anesthetics and sedatives used for fisheries management and various fish hatchery techniques. Above photo shows USGS student employee Aaron Cupp with a lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) under a handleable level of sedation for conducting sample counts to obtain proper feed rate calculations. UMESC supports research to gain approval of these sedatives through FDA.(Full size image)

Since this research revolves around the use of living organisms, it is my first and foremost responsibility to provide and maintain a quality life-supporting aquaculture environment for the production of healthy organisms.

Daily activities range from constructing experimental test systems to the feeding and cleaning of fish and their tanks. It is also my responsibility to assist and conduct research within the branch. Basic tasks for this research include calibration of instruments, handling test chemicals, generating data, and collaborating with CVM.

What is your most memorable experience with the USGS so far?

My most memorable experience with the USGS has been the opportunity to present my thesis research at the UMESC-hosted Aquaculture Drug Approval Coordination Meeting in La Crosse, WI. The meeting brought together various professionals from CVM, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and multiple state agencies, as well as private industry members of the fisheries community. It was a great opportunity to meet those who may benefit from this research in the future and to have an opportunity to interact with professionals at all levels.

What do you see as the most valuable part of your work?

As my work and research at UMESC progresses, it is important that all of these data are applied to understand new aquaculture drugs. We hope to provide CVM with answers to a great many of the questions surrounding specific drugs in aquaculture. My thesis is just a small piece of the puzzle in supporting the Aquatic Ecosystem Health’s mission within the USGS.

What are your future plans?

Looking ahead to graduation in 2013, I fully intend to pursue a career as a professional in fisheries and aquaculture. Career paths may range from fish hatcheries and fisheries resource offices to working in diagnostic fish health laboratories. Regardless, I plan to use the knowledge and experience gained through my student employment with USGS, along with my educational background, as a foundation to be successful.

Areas of Elevated Contaminants in Groundwater Determined from Regional Assessment in the Midwest

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EDT

Editor's note: This story is of particular interest to media outlets in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Michigan

At least one contaminant was found at levels of human-health concern in about one third of untreated groundwater samples collected from wells in the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system, according to a recent report by the U.S. Geological Survey. When radon concentrations greater than 300 picocuries per liter are included, 64 percent of wells sampled contain a contaminant concentration above a human-health benchmark.

The Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system is ranked ninth in the nation for public supply water withdrawals from principal aquifers. The aquifer supplies water to many parts of the northern Midwest, including areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as well as the major cities of Minneapolis, Rockford and Chicago.

Many of the public and private wells sampled contain natural or manmade contaminants, including; radium, radon, boron, strontium, manganese, barium, nitrate, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds. Radon and radium are naturally occurring radioactive elements and known carcinogens. The deeper parts of the aquifer system in Illinois, Iowa, and eastern Wisconsin are vulnerable to high concentrations of radium, boron, and strontium. The shallow areas of the aquifer system in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are vulnerable to radon and manganese. The study was conducted as part of an ongoing systematic assessment of some of the Nation’s most important aquifer systems by the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. Results are available online.

"The USGS puts scientific findings and trends on water quality into the public domain so that citizens, water managers, and public officials can decide on appropriate and effective actions to address current or emerging issues that may be cause for concern now or in the future," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "Both the quality of our water and scientific understanding of what is useful to monitor evolve over time, hence the need for the USGS to constantly update our water quality reports."

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates public wells, and elevated concentrations of contaminants are reduced or removed from the water before people drink it," said John Wilson, USGS hydrologist and author of the study. "This study examined contaminants that pose human-health concerns, including some that are not regulated, and findings can help water utility managers make decisions about future monitoring and treatment needs."

Human-health benchmarks used to evaluate the significance of contaminant concentrations in raw water samples included EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and USGS Health-Based Screening Levels (HBSLs) for unregulated contaminants, developed by USGS in collaboration with the EPA. Concentrations were also compared to EPA Secondary Drinking Water Regulations established for aesthetic quality or other non-health reasons. In relating measured concentrations to health benchmarks, this study offers a preliminary assessment of potential health concerns and identifies conditions that may warrant further investigation. The research is not a substitute for comprehensive risk and toxicity assessments.

Radium and strontium levels in domestic and public-supply wells from the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system are higher and more frequently exceed the human-health benchmark than in any of the other 30 principal aquifers studied by NAWQA. Arsenic levels frequently exceed the human-health benchmark in domestic and public-supply wells of many of the other principal aquifers studied by NAWQA, but arsenic did not exceed the benchmark in any samples from the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system.

Major findings included:

Water quality of the aquifer system can vary greatly between areas where the aquifers are shallow and deep. Natural contaminants such as major ions, trace elements, and radium tend to occur at higher concentrations in deeper areas. Human caused contaminants, such as pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and nitrate, are detected more often in shallow areas.

Radon-222 and radium were most frequently measured at concentrations greater than human-health benchmarks, but geographic distributions were related to different depths of the aquifer system. Radon levels exceeded the proposed MCL of 300 picocuries per liter in 43 percent of 140 wells, of which 90 percent were in regionally shallow areas. Radium levels exceeded the MCL of 5 picocuries per liter in 40 percent of 88 wells, of which 89 percent were in regionally deeper areas.

The trace elements strontium, manganese, and barium exceeded a human-health benchmark in at least one sample. Strontium levels exceeded the HBSL in nine percent of 107 wells, and manganese levels exceeded the HBSL in four percent of 154 wells. Barium levels exceeded the MCL in one of 136 wells sampled by NAWQA. Concentrations of strontium were significantly higher in regionally deeper areas, and concentrations of manganese and barium were significantly higher in shallow areas.

Nitrate was detected at a concentration greater than one milligram per liter (mg/L) in 21 percent of the wells sampled by NAWQA. Concentrations of nitrate greater than 1 mg/L were assumed to be influenced by human activity. All but one of the wells were in regionally shallow areas, indicating that the shallower areas of the aquifer system are more susceptible to manmade contaminants. Nitrate levels exceeded the MCL of 10 mg/L in approximately four percent of 154 wells sampled by NAWQA.

Nine different pesticides were detected in wells sampled by NAWQA from 2002 through 2007, but usually at concentrations significantly below human-health benchmarks. No pesticide concentration exceeded a human-health benchmark. Water samples were analyzed for as many as 83 pesticides, but atrazine and its degradate deethylatrazine accounted for 67 percent of all pesticide detections. Eighty-six percent of wells with a pesticide detection were in shallow areas.

The USGS NAWQA program began in 1991 and is the only source of nationally consistent monitoring data and information on chemical contaminants in groundwater. The program also conducts regional and national studies of the susceptibility and vulnerability of the nation’s most important aquifers.

Low Streamflow Conditions Add to Midwest Drought Woes

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:09:42 EDT

Streamflow levels are below normal across much of the Midwest states of Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and Wisconsin, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Many states are experiencing severe drought, such as Iowa, where flows are less than 25 percent of normal streamflow conditions for the majority of the state.

Drought is the nation's most costly natural disaster, far exceeding earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes and floods. Low streamflows contribute to higher than normal water temperatures, which have negatively impacted fish and have caused fish kills in some areas throughout the Midwest.

USGS crews are making extra streamflow and groundwater level measurements in a number of states so that cooperators will have sufficient data to make water management decisions. Areas of low stream flow can be viewed in real time on the USGS WaterWatch website. The map shows how current flows compare to what would be normal for a given time of year based on historical averages. For information specific to your local area, visit one of the USGS Water Science Center drought information websites in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, South Dakota or Wisconsin. To access water quality information, to include local stream temperatures, visit the USGS real-time WaterQualityWatch website.

"Of all of our Nation's natural disasters, drought is in many ways the most insidious, coming on slowly without major headlines or lead stories, and tending to continue to play out long after the life-giving rains have returned in terms of culled herds, unproductive orchards, and impaired ecosystems ripe for invasive species," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "USGS is bringing the best scientific information to bear in these tough times so that water managers will make a little water do a lot of good."

While the USGS WaterWatch website is an adequate real-time gauge for areas experiencing hydrologic drought, stream and river conditions are not the only drought indicator. The national Drought Monitor is the official report detailing drought conditions, and this map paints a fuller picture of drought than just stream flow information. In addition to relying heavily on USGS streamgage data, this map also incorporates soil moisture, agricultural information, satellite data, and precipitation.

Right now, almost 80 percent of the contiguous United States is facing abnormally dry conditions. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has estimated that the annual average cost of drought in the United States ranges from $6 to $8 billion, while flooding estimates are in the $2 to $4 billion range. Unlike flooding, drought does not come and go in a single episode. Rather, it often takes a long time for drought to begin to impact an area, and it can fester for months or even years.

Asian Carp Pose Substantial Risk to the Great Lakes

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 13:11:12 EDT

Bi-National Risk Assessment Released

Asian carp pose substantial environmental risk to the Great Lakes if they become established there, according to a bi-national Canadian and United States risk assessment released today.

Bighead and silver carps -- two species of Asian carp -- pose an environmental risk to the Great Lakes within 20 years, with the risk increasing over time. Lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie face the highest risk relative to the other lakes.

The risk assessment report was led by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and included a team of scientists from Canada and the United States. Two U.S. Geological Survey scientists were among the co-authors of the report.

The report examined the likelihood of the survival and establishment of Asian carp in the lakes. It relied on prevention measures under way through November 2010, and did not take into account extensive preventive actions implemented since that time. The authors also assessed the probable ecological consequences should the fish invade the Great Lakes.

"Ever since these non-native fish first escaped and began to breed prolifically in the rivers of the Midwest, the questions everyone has been asking are: 'Can a breeding population survive in the Great Lakes and would it be a significant problem if they did?’" said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "Now we know the answers and unfortunately they are ‘yes and yes.' This study will help scientists and resource managers in Canada and the U.S. determine how and where to redouble their efforts as they continue to prevent the establishment of these invasive fish."

The reason for the high risk of invasion is because portions of the Great Lakes offer sufficient food and habitat to enable these invasive fish to spawn, survive and spread, the report’s authors noted. They identified the most likely pathway for Asian carp to enter the Great Lakes is via the Chicago Area Waterway System.

The report suggests that the major ecological consequence resulting from the establishment and spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes would likely be an overall decline in certain native fish species, including some commercially and recreationally important ones. Such declines could occur because Asian carp would compete with prey fish that primarily eat plankton. This could lead to reduced growth rates and declines in abundance of prey fish species, and thus predatory fish would also likely decline. Asian carp also reduce survival of open-water fish larvae -- like those of walleye and yellow perch -- most likely through competition for plankton or by preying on the larvae.

However, the authors emphasized that the establishment of Asian carp in the Great Lakes and resulting ecosystem damage are not foregone conclusions. Preventing the establishment of Asian carp in the Great Lakes is the best means of avoiding harmful ecological and economic effects.

The new report, developed with input from resource managers, decision makers and researchers from federal, provincial and state agencies, and other groups, provides a science-based assessment of the risk these fish pose to the Great Lakes. By involving both Canadian and U.S. scientists, the report drew upon the wealth of Asian carp expertise in both countries. The report will allow managers to make informed decisions for management of Asian carp and for prevention of their spread.

Ongoing efforts of the coordinating committee are described in the newly released “FY2012 Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework.” Actions of the ACRCC are diverse; they include aggressive tracking and monitoring of Asian carp, evaluating electric dispersal barriers in the Chicago Area Waterways System preventing movement toward Lake Michigan, and developing new technologies to control the abundance and distribution of Asian carp.

The Binational Asian Carp Risk Assessment can be accessed at

English (PDF)
French (PDF)

The 2012 Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework can be accessed at asiancarp.us.

Media Advisory: Celebrate Expanding Science with an Impact in Middleton!

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:09:46 EDT

Reporters Invited to Open House and Ribbon Cutting Events

Reporters Invited to Open House and Ribbon Cutting Events

Come celebrate science with an impact at the U.S. Geological Survey's Wisconsin Water Science Center! The center will inaugurate a new wing that provides more space to conduct science on pertinent topics like flooding, drought, water-use, mining impacts and pollution. The new, $1.2 million wing was built by ten local companies in Madison, Wisc.

What:

Reporters are invited to two open house events to celebrate over 120 years of research and investigation of Wisconsin’s, and the Nation’s, water resources.

Water Science Day
Sunday, May 20, 12 – 4p.m.

Bring the whole family and join USGS scientists for a day of hands-on learning!
Come check out live stream critters, use river and lake sampling equipment and measure streamflow. Children can "dress like a scientist" at the photo area.

Professional Open House
Monday, May 21, 1:30 – 5p.m.
Ribbon Cutting by Kurt Sonnentag, Mayor of Middleton
State Senator Mark Miller is attending

Dignitaries, cooperators and community partners are invited to attend this open house.
A short ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 2p.m.

Visitors at both events will be able to view a variety of science exhibits:

Learn how scientists predict flooding
Tour Mercury Research Laboratory
Test water for viruses, bacteria, and pollution
Use storm-water sampling equipment
See on-site drill rig and fish-shocking boat
Watch 3D groundwater and sediment models

Where:

USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center
8505 Research Way, Middleton Wisc. (behind Greenway Station)

"For more than a century, USGS science has been helping the citizens of Wisconsin reap the greatest recreational benefit from its beautiful lakes and streams, emergency responders give timely warnings for rising flood waters, and university researchers have access to authoritative information for cutting-edge studies," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "Please join us as we open our doors to proudly show off our new facilities to the public, with plenty of hands-on displays to bring out the amateur investigator in visitors of all ages."

Information provided by the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center is essential for locals who rely on beach advisories to determine whether it’s safe to swim, paddlers that check stream conditions before spending a day on the water, people who use water temperatures to find the best fishing spot, and for emergency managers to determine evacuations during flooding events. More than 60 local, state, regional and federal agencies, municipalities, universities and nonprofit organizations depend on critical research provided by the USGS Wisconsin Water Science Center.

USGS Details Effects of Climate Change on Water Availability in 14 Local Basins Nationwide

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Wed, 16 May 2012 6:00:00 EDT

Climate change projections indicate a steady increase in temperature progressing through the 21^st century, generally resulting in snowpack reductions, changes to the timing of snowmelt, altered streamflows, and reductions in soil moisture, all of which could affect water management, agriculture, recreation, hazard mitigation, and ecosystems across the nation. Despite some widespread similarities in climate change trends, climate change will affect specific water basins in the U.S. differently, based on the particular hydrologic and geologic conditions in that area.

New USGS modeling studies project changes in water availability due to climate change at the local level. So far, the USGS has applied these models to fourteen basins, including:

"The advantage of these studies is that they demonstrate that there is not just one hydrological response to climate change: the predictions account for essential local factors that will govern the timing, severity, and type of impact, whether it be water shortage, drought, or flood," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "This is exactly the sort of information communities need to know now, because we are unlikely to see a 'water-as-usual' future."

These local projections are based on General Circulation Models (GCM) that predict how climate change will affect temperature, precipitation, and emissions for large regional areas. The USGS’s Precipitation Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) applies information from the downscaled GCM projections to local watersheds, where impacts of climate change on water availability will depend on local conditions. These local-scale hydrologic projections will allow managers to plan for changes in water resources that are specific to their area.

For example, the USGS models project that changes to snow pack in the Sprague River Basin in Oregon could cause annual peak streamflows to occur earlier in the spring as overall basin storage decreases, which may force managers to modify storage operation and reprioritize water deliveries for environmental and human needs. Reduced snowpack in headwaters of the Colorado River could affect the amount and timing of streamflow to the Colorado River and also impact important recreation areas. Portions of Maine may see higher streamflows which could affect populations of endangered Atlantic salmon. Areas of the already drought-stressed Flint River Basin, one of Atlanta’s primary drinking water supplies, are projected to become even drier.

The results for each basin present a complex story due to uncertainty associated with the future climate projections and their effect on the hydrological response of the different geographical regions of the nation.

Detailed information about watershed responses to climate change can be found online. Additionally, a collection of USGS studies that contributed to these basin-wide analyses was published in the journal Earth Interactions.

The downscaled GCM models are obtained from the World Climate Research Programme's Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 multi-model dataset archive. The USGS PRMS models were developed as part of the USGS National Research Program (NRP) in cooperation with USGS Water Science Centers. The NRP develops new information, theories, and techniques to anticipate, understand, and solve problems facing resources managers and is a national leader in understanding the effects of climate change on water resources.

These USGS models are just one of several tools developed and used by agencies within the Department of the Interior to study potential impacts from climate change and to provide tools to resource managers to adapt to those changes. For example, the Bureau of Reclamation recently unveiled a user-friendly tool for calculating future streamflow and water supplies at 195 sites in the western United States to help increase accessibility of science-based information and ease understanding of how climate variations will impact water availability for local communities.

USGS Continues Research on White-Nose Syndrome

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT

National Wildlife Health Center Collaborates with EcoHealth Alliance

New research on white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats will investigate environmental conditions in caves and mines used by hibernating bats. The research will focus on the fungus Geomyces destructans, which causes the fatal disease.

WNS is a devastating disease of hibernating bats that has killed an estimated 5.5 million bats across the northeastern U.S. since it was first discovered in New York in 2006. WNS continues to spread across North America and has caused drastic declines in hibernating bat populations.

This research will be conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey's National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) and EcoHealth Alliance, a nonprofit organization that focuses on local conservation and global health issues. It is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"Bats are an important part of the North American ecosystem, providing for example billions of dollars in pest control to our agricultural industry every year," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "The USGS and its partners are racing against the clock to understand and find clues that will help us combat this new disease and save this valuable resource."

Scientists will investigate environmental conditions within bat hibernacula (caves and mines used by hibernating bats) to identify potential factors that contribute to disease development and severity. Scientists will assess how environmental factors affect the growth and persistence of the deadly fungus in the environment and on bats within hibernation sites. Research will target six hibernacula in the East and Midwest U.S. Each site will be monitored for microclimate conditions and quantity of the deadly fungus on bats, soil, and rock surfaces throughout the year.

Geomyces destructans can persist within the environment of bat hibernacula, potentially causing bats to become infected during hibernation. This suggests that environmental factors play an important role in the spread and severity of WNS.

"Our knowledge of climatic variation and distribution of the fungus within bat hibernacula is currently very limited" said Dr. Michelle Verant, a University of Wisconsin veterinary epidemiologist working at the NWHC and collaborating on the study. "A better understanding of how these factors are related to the manifestation of WNS in affected sites will be vital for managing this disease."

The team of scientists will also develop and test predictive models to forecast the progression of WNS across the U.S. and Canada. To date, WNS had been found in 19 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

The USFWS recently announced seven grant awards totaling $1.4 million for research and management of WNS in bats, thus providing critical support for investigating WNS. In addition to the environmental conditions study, the USGS was also awarded a grant to investigate the potential for bats to transmit Geomyces destructans during the summer when they use hibernacula contaminated with the fungus.

The USGS NWHC continues to be on the forefront of research into WNS. Studies conducted at the NWHC led to the discovery, characterization, and naming of the causative agent, the fungus Geomyces destructans, and to the development of standardized diagnostic criteria for characterizing the disease. Additionally, the Center has pioneered techniques for studying impacts of the fungus to hibernating bats.

The USGS NWHC, based in Madison, Wisc., provides leadership to safeguard wildlife and ecosystem health through dynamic partnerships and exceptional science. The NWHC investigates the causes of wildlife die-offs and disease across the nation through research and diagnostic evaluation. The Center also provides technical assistance, training, information management and communication on wildlife health issues to natural resource managers, decision-makers, other scientists, and the public.

For more information about NWHC, visit the National Wildlife Health Center website.

About EcoHealth Alliance

Building on over 40 years of groundbreaking science, EcoHealth Alliance is a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and safeguarding human health from the emergence of disease. The organization develops ways to combat the effects of damaged ecosystems on human and wildlife health. Using environmental and health data covering the past 60 years, EcoHealth Alliance scientists created the first-ever, global disease hotspots map that identified at-risk regions, to help predict and prevent the next pandemic crisis. That work is the foundation of EcoHealth Alliance’s rigorous, science-based approach, focused at the intersection of the environment, health, and capacity building. Working in the U.S. and more than 20 countries worldwide, EcoHealth Alliance’s strength is founded on innovations in research, training, global partnerships, and policy initiatives. For more information, visit the EcoHealth Alliance website.

A Big Day for Science: Citizens Have Contributed One Million Observations to Top Nature Database

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Thu, 3 May 2012 9:00:00 EDT

RESTON, Va. — Thanks to citizen-scientists around the country, the USA National Phenology Network hit a major milestone this week by reaching its one millionth nature observation.

The millionth observation was done by Lucille Tower, a citizen-scientist in Portland, Ore., who entered a record about seeing maple vines flowering. Her data, like all of the entries, came in through USA-NPN’s online observation program, Nature's Notebook, which engages more than 4,000 volunteers across the country to observe and record phenology – the timing of the recurring life events of plants and animals such as when cherry trees or lilacs blossom, when robins build their nests, when salmon swim upstream to spawn or when leaves turn colors in the fall.

Each record not only represents a single data point — the status of a specific life stage of an individual plant or animal on one day – but also benefits both science and society by helping researchers understand how plants and animals are responding to climate change and, in turn, how those responses are affecting people and ecological systems.

"My dream is that through the wonders of modern technology and the National Phenology Network we could turn the more than six billion people on the planet into components of our scientific observing system," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "We could make giant leaps in science education, improve the spatial and temporal coverage of the planet, lower the cost of scientific data collection, and all while making ordinary citizens feel a part of the scientific process."

Jake Weltzin, a U.S. Geological Survey scientist and the executive director of USA-NPN, concurs. "Hitting the one millionth observation is exciting because researchers and decision-makers need more information to understand and respond to our rapidly changing planet. More information means better-informed decisions that ensure the continued vitality of our natural areas that we all depend on and enjoy."

For example, said Weltzin, the data in Nature's Notebook are already being used to benefit society, including the development of more accurate indicators of spring, forecasting the onset of allergy seasons or the chances of western wildfires, managing wildlife and invasive plants, and setting goals for habitat restoration. Ultimately, such information can be used for better managing water resources, wildlife and ecosystem management, and even help farmers and ranchers across the nation.

Changes in phenology are among the most sensitive biological indicators of global change. Across the world, many springtime events are occurring earlier — and fall events happening later — than in the past. These changes are happening quickly for some species and more slowly, or not at all, for others, altering relationships and processes that have been dynamically stable for thousands of years. Some wildlife —like caribou and butterflies — are becoming mismatched from their plant food resources, which are responding differently. Migrations for some birds are changing too, as they can now overwinter instead of moving south for the winter, or as they fly north more quickly to keep pace with an advancing front of spring flowering.

Because of this, said Weltzin, scientists need more and better information about the pace and pattern of nature — locally to nationally — to answer important scientific and societal questions, and to build the tools and models needed to help people understand and adapt to the changes.

"So much of our improved understanding about global environmental changes is driven by varied and valuable sources of information that include networks of citizen-scientists," said John Wingfield, National Science Foundation’s assistant director for biological sciences. "The public at large has played an important role collecting observations and data for a hundred years and more. Knowledge and data gained from their work will continue to have a lasting effect on how we understand regularly recurring biological phenomena for hundreds of plant and animal species and contribute to the policy arena."

Gwen Lundburg in Seattle is one citizen-scientist who has contributed hundreds of entries into Nature’s Notebook. "Just noticing small changes like tiny purple lilac buds suddenly turning green has taught me to look more closely at my plants," Lundburg said. "I see things in my garden I never saw before."

With the help of citizen-scientist volunteers, working in concert with professionals, the USA-NPN, which was established in 2007, collects, stores and freely shares phenological data on more than 800 species of plants and animals. The Nature’s Notebook observing program has been in operation since 2009. The coordinating office of the organization is located at 1955 E. 6^th St., Tucson, Ariz., 85721. For more information, visit the USA National Phenology Network, or contact Jake Weltzin at 520-626-3821 or jweltzin@usgs.gov.

For the Birds: AMBLE Along Lake Michigan

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:41:51 EDT

AMBLE along the lake this summer and fall and join a local community that cares about lakeshore conditions and bird health.

Volunteers are needed to walk parts of the Lake Michigan and Green Bay shoreline to monitor bird health and beach conditions as part of a citizen science program. The U.S. Geological Survey AMBLE (Avian Monitoring for Botulism Lakeshore Events) program is an opportunity to sharpen birding skills, develop a connection with a wild place, and gain a deeper understanding of the disease avian botulism and Lake Michigan ecology. After a successful 2011 season in Door County, the AMBLE volunteer monitoring network is expanding in 2012 to include the southern and western shores of Green Bay.

Participants choose quarter-mile or longer sections of shoreline to monitor every seven to ten days, from June through November. Expertise in bird identification is not required to be an AMBLE volunteer. A free training will be offered that covers disease ecology of avian botulism, monitoring protocols, bird identification, and GPS use. More information is available on the Lake Michigan Volunteer AMBLE Web site.

To participate in AMBLE, volunteers are asked to register for one of the following free training sessions:

Thursday, May 10 from 1-4:30 p.m. at Washington Island Recreation Center, Mosling Room, 1877 Lakeview Rd., Washington Island.
Friday, May 11 from 1-4:30 p.m. at Newport State Park Visitor Center, Hotz Wilderness Room, 475 County Highway NP, Ellison Bay.
Saturday, May 12 from 1-4:30 p.m. at Crossroads at Big Creek, Collins Learning Center, 2041 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay.
Friday, June 1 from 1-4:30 p.m. at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Peshtigo Service Center, Conference Room, 101 N. Ogden Rd. Suite A, Peshtigo.
Saturday, June 2 from 1-4:30 p.m. at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Woodland Room (downstairs), 1660 East Shore Drive, Green Bay.

More sessions will be offered as needed.

Those who complete training will receive an AMBLE hat or t-shirt, and updates throughout the monitoring season via the "AMBLE Ramble" newsletter.

AMBLE is sponsored by the USGS National Wildlife Health Center with support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the following local partners: The Ridges Sanctuary, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, Northeastern Wisconsin Audubon Society, Crossroads at Big Creek, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Oconto’s Promise, and Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.

Invasive Carps Could Find a Home in Lake Erie

OC_Web@usgs.gov (Office of Communications and Publishing) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EDT

Lake Erie and its largest tributaries are suitable habitats for invasive Asian carps to reproduce and mature, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey study.

The USGS study found that the Maumee, Sandusky, and Grand rivers are hospitable environments for Asian carps, potentially allowing the invasive fish to establish a self-sustaining population in western Lake Erie. Currently, federal agencies are working in partnership with Great Lakes States to implement a series of measures to prevent Asian carps from entering the Great Lakes Basin and possibly damaging native fish populations and the Great Lakes economy.

"While the finding of a hospitable environment is not the scientific outcome we and our partners might have hoped for, the clear implication is that conditions exist which could allow for the establishment of breeding populations of Asian carps in Lake Erie," said USGS director Marcia McNutt. "Experience has shown that if they do, the native fish, and the economy that depends on them, could suffer gravely.”

Silver, bighead, and grass carps are Asian carp species that typically spawn in rivers during high summer flows, and, as demonstrated by previous research, can threaten ecosystems by competing with native fish for food. At present, there are no known self-sustaining bighead or silver carp populations in the Great Lakes.

To determine if these and other species of Asian carp can potentially mature in Lake Erie and if river conditions are favorable for them to spawn, the USGS researchers studied water temperatures in the lake and water velocity during flood events in eight major tributaries over the past 20 years.

The new study found that the Maumee River, which enters western Lake Erie at Toledo, is highly suitable for Asian carps to mature and spawn, and the Sandusky River, which enters western Lake Erie near Sandusky, Ohio, and the Grand River, which enters central Lake Erie at Fairport Harbor, are moderately suitable.

"We are getting a clearer picture of the threat Asian carps pose to western Lake Erie, and that picture suggests there is cause for concern," said Patrick Kocovsky, USGS scientist and an author of the report.

This USGS research effort, coupled with previously published research on Asian carp food availability in western Lake Erie, is the first to demonstrate the potential for Asian carps to successfully reproduce within the Great Lakes Basin.

Federal and state agencies and other partners are undertaking aggressive tracking and monitoring of the invasive species, have installed electric barriers in the Chicago Area Waterways System to keep Asian carp from moving toward Lake Michigan, and constructed a 1,500-foot fence to block advancement of Asian carp from the Wabash River to the Maumee and Lake Erie.

The USGS study, published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research, can be accessed online.