Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in Michigan through retailer education
Print
EmailLearn more about the Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE) program, a partnership between MSU Extension and the Michigan Departments of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; Natural Resources; and Agriculture and Rural Development.
Aquarium keeping and water gardening bring nature into homes but can inadvertently contribute to the spread of aquatic invasive species. Many invasive species are hardy, fast growing and reproduce quickly—traits that make them appealing for retailers and hobbyists, yet problematic if released into natural ecosystems.
Research indicates that hobbyists often rely on retailers for guidance on disposing of unwanted aquatic plants and animals and believe that retailers are responsible for sharing this information when they make purchases.
Equipping retailers with scientifically sound information to share with their customers is crucial to preventing the introduction and spread of non-native species into Michigan’s lakes and streams.
Michigan State University Extension is aiding the garden and aquarium industry in educating consumers about aquatic invasive species through the Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE) program, in partnership with the Michigan Departments of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy; Natural Resources; and Agriculture and Rural Development.
RIPPLE works to address the needs of Michigan retailers, driven by two detailed scientific surveys conducted in 2017 and 2022 capturing independent retailer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to aquatic invasive organisms in trade.
Through this program, free branded materials are provided statewide to pet and garden retailers, nurseries, landscape professionals, and other organizations to raise awareness of invasive species in the aquarium and water garden trade. These materials also promote best practices to prevent the release of non-native organisms into the wild.
Supported by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program since 2015, RIPPLE has evolved into a nationally recognized initiative and serves as one of only a handful of invasive species programs across the country directly addressing the movement and sale of non-native organisms in the pet and garden trade.
The most recent grant award supported a robust engagement program, including collaboration with lake associations, conservation organizations, hobbyist clubs, and retailers to distribute the “do not release” message. Outreach efforts include the distribution of award-winning educational materials, one-on-one retail visits and invasive species trainings, public engagement events, and recognition of conservation focused retailers through the RIPPLE Fresh Water Protector Network.
Since 2022, RIPPLE has achieved significant milestones, including:
- Engaging 225,000 Michigan residents through effective marketing and strategic partnerships.
- Distributing over 135,000 educational items statewide.
- Reaching 10,000 individuals via 36 public talks and 40 education booths.
- Facilitating the display of RIPPLE materials in over 135 businesses and public spaces, such as zoos, nature centers, and schools through outreach kits.
- Conducting over 50 pet and garden retail store visits to educate staff on invasive species.
- Publishing 14 articles in consumer and industry media, including statewide magazines and MSU Extension news.
- Designing 13 new outreach products, including “The Great Lakes Almanac to Invasive Crayfish.”
- Hosting two "pet surrender days" to provide alternatives for unwanted aquatic organisms, in partnership with local retailers.
Through these efforts, RIPPLE has established strong support from retailers, educators, and conservation organizations committed to preventing the release of invasive species and supporting the rehoming of unwanted aquatic organisms.
The program’s popular, award-winning set of outreach materials, presentations, one-on-one retail visits, and public engagement events have set RIPPLE up as a trusted source of information where a knowledge and resource gap once existed.
By bridging these knowledge gaps and strengthening partnerships, MSU Extension is safeguarding Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems and promoting responsible stewardship of our state’s natural resources.
