Know it, Report it, Stop it: Aquatic Invasive Species Response Training Webinar
Recording Now Available
(ERIE, PA) — Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) is critical to protecting Pennsylvania’s waters from the impacts of aquatic invasive species (AIS). On October 15, 2025, Pennsylvania Sea Grant hosted a 60-minuite training webinar to help agency staff, resource managers, conservation staff and other partners to better understand their role in this process. The recorded training webinar is now available online.
The webinar also added a creative twist by turning the session into a “choose your own adventure” experience. The interactive format guided participants through real-world rapid response scenarios, as outlined in the Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan, which was approved by the Governor’s Invasive Species Council in 2024.
Participants were encouraged to think through each decision point and explore how those choices might shape the outcome. The approach brought the AIS Rapid Response Plan to life, showing how coordination, communication, and timely action are key to effective response.
“When a new species appears in our waters where it doesn’t belong, quick and coordinated action is essential,” said Sara Stahlman, Extension Leader with Pennsylvania Sea Grant. “This plan is Pennsylvania’s playbook—when an AIS is reported, agencies know exactly what to do and how to do it.”
The training drew 63 participants, representing a range of agencies and organizations. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 80% of participants saying the webinar significantly increased their knowledge, and 100% found the training useful or somewhat useful, expressing that they intend to use the information they learned to report species, educate their communities on AIS, and be more confident when initiating action.
Sean Hartzell, PA Fish and Boat Commission AIS Coordinator shared, “I am already very familiar with rapid response given my role at PA Fish and Boat, but I thought this was fantastic. I would encourage more of these trainings for natural resource professionals and volunteers.”
Developed to align with the Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan, the webinar walked participants through the plan’s major components, including; the steps of Pennsylvania’s Rapid Response process, steps to take when a new or suspected species is discovered, properly reporting findings, real-life rapid response success stories, best practices for communication, coordination, and management, and opportunities to support rapid response through funding and technical assistance programs.
By combining science, strategy, and storytelling, the training helped participants see that every action and every choice matters when it comes to preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species and protecting Pennsylvania’s aquatic ecosystems.
The training webinar is available online at Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s Video and Media page – https://seagrant.psu.edu/communications/videos-and-media/
Presentation slides are available upon request, contact us for details.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Pennsylvania State University. Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s mission is to enhance the use and conservation of Pennsylvania’s coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources to create a healthy environment, resilient and inclusive communities, and a strong and sustainable economy.
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For immediate release 10.23.25
