Workshop on Controlling the Spread of Invasive Species Planned for Sept. 8

This free workshop, hosted by the U.S. Forest and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Lake Champlain and New York Sea Grant programs, is designed for baitfish harvesters and suppliers, hatchery operators and aquaculture representatives, USFWS and other federal agency staff members and interested stakeholders.

Participants at the workshop will learn how to manage the risk of inadvertently spreading invasive species during their day-to-day activities through the Aquatic Nuisance Species-Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (ANS-HACCP) program. HACCP planning is a pathway management tool that provides a method to identify risks and focus procedures to prevent spread of aquatic nuisance species through natural resource pathways. Understanding pathways and developing plans to remove non-target species and prevent biological contamination can prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Using practical examples, case studies and hands-on exercises, participants will learn principles of pathway management planning as a tool to prevent the spread of invasive species. The primary intent of this course is to prepare participants to implement a HACCP plan and to teach HACCP to others.

There is no registration fee since the cost of instructional materials, videos and lunch will be covered through a grant, but registration is required by Sept. 2. To register or for more information, contact any of the following: Mark Malchoff, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, 518-564-3038; Mike Goehle, USFWS, 716-691-5456; or Helen Domske, New York Sea Grant, 716-645-3610.

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