Preliminary findings from researchers at the University of Notre Dame's Center for Aquatic Conservation estimate that invasive species may be costing upwards fo $200 million in losses due to reduced commercial and sport fisheries, reduced wildlife watching, and increased operating costs for industries using Great Lakes water.

Press Announcements

Recent Research, from University of Notre Dame:
Great Lakes region losing $200 million a year to invasive species

Preliminary data being released today by researchers at the University of Notre Dame, Center for Aquatic Conservation, estimates that invasive species that arrived in the ballast tanks of ocean-going vessels may cost the Great Lakes region upwards of $200 million dollars a year in losses to commercial fishing, sport fishing, and the area’s water supply.

The Response from Great Lakes United:
Congress must act in face of $200 million losses to Great Lakes region by invasive species

Time is running out on a solution to the Great Lakes invasive species problem, and the cost to the region has swelled to at least $200 million a year and is growing, according to a team of scientists and economists.

Factsheet and Background

Research Factsheet - Annual Losses to Great Lakes Region by Ship-borne Invasive Species at least $200 Million
Backgrounder: Ocean Shipping on the Great Lakes (includes list of invaders to Great Lakes)
Timeline of Ballast Management Policy in the Great Lakes

Media Contacts

Contacts from Great Lakes fishery organizations

Statements by the Researchers

Statement from July 16 press briefing:
David Lodge
David Finnoff