The Inland Seas Education Association will present a seminar focusing on recent botulism die-offs on Tuesday at its center in Suttons Bay.

The program, The Role of Invasive Species in Recent Botulism Die-offs at Sleeping Bear Dunes and Around Lake Michigan, will be presented by Ken Hyde from 7 to 9 p.m.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has experienced waterbird die-offs in 2006 and 2007 along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. More than 4,200 birds and numerous fish have died, which impacts 18 species of bird and eight species of fish. Poisoning from Type E botulism toxin has been identified as the cause of the die-off. Initial indications are that recent increases in native Cladophora algae spurred by major increases in non-native quagga mussels and round goby populations are the mechanism that is fueling bacterial growth and bringing the toxins to the surface. Current research efforts and findings along with potential long-term impacts and Great Lakes concerns will be presented.

Hyde, a wildlife biologist for the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, obtained his bachelor of science degree in wildlife and range management from Brigham Young University and his master’s degree in the same field from Texas A & I University. Hyde has more than 20 years experience as a wildlife biologist and conservationist working at organizations such as the Utah Division of Wildlife, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Further information is available by calling 271-3077 or at www.schoolship.org.