The 2019 edition of the Watercraft Inspection Program Leader educational webinar series developed by New York Sea Grant and featuring coastal science and AIS specialists begins on January 17 and will connect participants from multiple states.

Four sessions in the webinar series will address issues associated with recreational boating as a key pathway in the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), making watercraft inspection a critical contributor to limiting the spread of AIS among the more than 7,000 lakes, ponds, and rivers in New York State and waters elsewhere.

Participants can join any or all of the one-hour, free-access webinars available from 10 am to 11 am. Register at https://goo.gl/QzjodX. For more information, contact New York Sea Grant at 315-331-8415, www.nyseagrant.org/watercraftinspection.

Webinar schedule:

• January 17: Applying Behavioral Psychology to Stop AIS: Learn the fundamentals of creating behavior change through simple and proven methods of applied behavioral psychology. Present: Ken Donnelly, president, Beyond Attitude Consulting;
• January 24: NY Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Application 2018 Data Overview: Methods, Statistics, Analysis: Learn the latest information about a real-time data collection tool launched in New York State in 2017 to track and analyze AIS trends to aid prevention, education and response statewide. Presenters: Cathy McGlynn, Ph.D., Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and John Marino, GIS Applications Developer, and Forest Swaciak, Intern, New York Natural Heritage Program iMapInvasives Project Team;
• January 31: Assessing the Risk of Future Aquatic Invasive Species Establishment in a Changing World: Using projected changes to temperatures and precipitation patterns in Pennsylvania as new and complex challenges to those working in aquatic invasive species management, learn a process for assessing the risk of new AIS establishment under these climate scenarios and species that have already become threats. Presenter: Sara Stahlman, Extension Leader, Pennsylvania Sea Grant.
• February 7: Dealing with the Public: Handling Harassment and Other Issues: Learn how training, awareness, and strong support from management serve as critical tools to keep watershed stewards safe throughout the boating season. Presenter: Sue O’Reilly, Data Manager, Adirondack Watershed Institute at Paul Smith’s College.

For more information on New York Sea Grant, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, visit www.nyseagrant.org.