Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association takes a firm stance against harmful invasive species. We focus much of our work on suppressing northern pike, supporting partner-led pike eradication efforts, and conducting elodea surveys throughout the Cook Inlet region.
The Special Projects program at CIAA carries out most of this work. In the past, hatchery staff contributed to these efforts by helping save the Shell Lake sockeye run from extirpation as part of the northern pike project at that lake. However, hatchery staff have played a limited role in invasive species projects since then. That changed in 2025, when staff at the Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery actively joined invasive species control efforts with a project of their own.
Orange hawkweed is a threat
Although attractive, orange hawkweed ranks 79 out of 100 on the Alaska Exotic Plants Information Clearinghouse (AKEPIC) invasiveness scale.
AKEPIC created this ranking system to help the public and land managers prioritize invasive plant control, with higher scores indicating greater threat and management urgency. During the 2024–2025 winter we secured a mini-grant from the Copper River Watershed Project to treat orange hawkweed at the Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery, located within Kachemak Bay State Park.
Although orange hawkweed occurs elsewhere in the park, it has not spread widely. Because the hatchery receives many visitors each year, staff recognized the risk that this infestation could spread to other areas. By eliminating orange hawkweed at the hatchery, we aim to prevent further expansion within the park.
Orange hawkweed earns its high invasiveness ranking because it spreads aggressively through multiple pathways. A single plant can produce up to 600 seeds per year, and those seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to seven years.
The plant also spreads through rhizomes and stolons and forms dense monocultures that displace native vegetation once established. Mechanical control methods such as pulling or mowing do not eradicate orange hawkweed. Pulling often leaves root fragments behind, and any remaining root or stolon pieces readily resprout, allowing the infestation to expand.
Herbicide works best on orange hawkweed
Systemic herbicide application provides the most effective control method. Using grant funds, we purchased enough herbicide to treat the infestation twice in 2025, and twice per year in 2026 and 2027. Before applying herbicide, staff conducted a survey of the facility’s 6.84 acres.
Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery Assistant Manager Hannah Kinsley, along with Cassidy Browning, Keira Malone, and Jaidyn Negley (Fisheries Technicians) identified and mapped orange hawkweed presence. During the survey, staff also enjoyed identifying native plant species, including the native wooly hawkweed.
