To ensure no aquatic invasive species were accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes watershed, Michigan DNR upgraded Oden State Fish Hatchery’s Isolation building into a containment facility before accepting Artic grayling from Alaska. As originally designed, Isolation was meant to protect the hatchery during brood development using fish from within the upper Great Lakes basin. It however was not designed to protect the waters of Michigan from fish or diseases originating outside of this watershed.
This presentation will review strategies initiated to contain possible invasive species and diseases that might have been accidentally transferred along with the Arctic grayling. Strategies included adding redundant primary filtration and UV sterilization for effluent water; designing the system to not discharge any undisinfected water during emergencies; controlling and limiting incoming water, especially during emergencies; adding additional procedures to reduce risk of accidental biosecurity breach; replacing an outdated generator; plus upgrading the emergency alarming system.