1. Challenge 20/20 Presentation The University School of Milwaukee

2. General Information Last year: o Biodiversity, alternative energy and water reclamation in post industrial areas This year: o Changes in biodiversity within Lake Michigan, specifically in terms of invasive species and low water quality

3. Borna vs. Milwaukee While we found similarities in our cities, we addressed more specific problems within our region o Borna: Energy Crisis  Transition from coal-mining town to more efficient forms of energy o Milwaukee: Pollution of Lake Michigan/Runoff  Retention ponds, bio swales, gardens, underground repositories, urban gardens, rain barrels and green streets

4. German Exchange Students Exchange trip this fall, plus future trips Simmilarities between our school and those in both Borna and Leipzig, Germany Gives us a new perspective on issues that may not nessisarily be controversial in our area. Chance to exchange information with teens our age in a different part of the world

5. Effects on Native Species Invading species often compete with native ones for the same resources Can lead to ousting of native species Native and invading species can share a niche fundamental to realized niche o e.g. barnacles

6. Asian Carp History Native to China and other parts of Southeast Asia Have been cultivated for aquaculture for more than 1,000 years Catfish farmers in the U.S. imported Asian carp to eat up algae o were also imported into the southern United States to keep aquaculture clean and to provide fresh fish for fish markets Now, the fish have slowly escaped into the wild and have been making their way up the Mississippi River. They are eating machines that can decimate entire ecosystems. Here are the 4 different types of Asian Carp: Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

7. Harmful to many types of animals because of the Asian carps consumption of low level food chain organisms such as plankton o Birds o Insects o turtles o etc. Consumption of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates Asian Carp's Effects on Other Fauna

8. Asian Carp Risks Ecological Risks: can decrease of native mussels and other invertebrates can reduce recruitment and abundance of native fish black carp reduce abundance of mussels and snails silver carp tend to jump out at people and hurt them severely Threats to Great Lake: Some believe that if invasive species of carp enter the Great Lakes, the multi- billion dollar recreational fishing, hunting and tourism industry will be devastated can hurt Great Lake communities that depend on fisheries for its economy (fisheries are valued at 4.5 billion dollars annually) can decrease economic value to communities that benefit from hunting

9. Asian Carp Video

10. Response Efforts Increased eDNA (Environmental DNA) monitoring An electrical barrier system o Due to safety concerns and monetary problems, this barrier is still largely disputed and not operating at full capacity. Chemical controls Fish harvesting

11. Effects of biodiversity loss on humans Vulnerability to natural disasters, global warming Already limited, but large amount of species Rely on freshwater Ecosystem Services: o protection of water resources, pollution, stability, maintenance of ecosystems, recovery Biological resources: o food, medicine, breeding stocks, future resources, diversity Social benefits o Research and education, recreation and tourism, cultural values

12. Why Should We Care? Ethics: Is the preservation of property rights and free trade worth the destruction of our ecosystems o Politicians from both sides of the political spectrum criticise the use of tax-payer money for something they falsly percieve as threat-less. Economics: Impacts infrustructure Organisms (such as the Zebra Mussel) can cause direct damage to industry Decrease of Fishing and Tourism industries Billions Spent in Remediation and Prevention Quality of Life: Simply put, if invasive species continue to infiltrate and impact our ecosystems, the quality of nature and living in the surrounding areas will decrease.

13. Why 20/20? Forms bonds with students from across the globe Gives students from all grades the opportunity to research a problem they see in their world and attempt to find a solution You have a long time to complete the project (due in late January at the earliest, May at the latest) Some past projects have really made a difference Shows students that they have the power, as teenagers, to help their communities as well as those around the world It is an incredibly fun, while rewarding, experience