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Invasive
Species
Invasive species (sometimes called aquatic nuisance species)
are those plants and animals that are non-native to an ecosystem. Invasive
species tend to grow rapidly and spread easily. These organisms can hitch
a ride on our clothing, boats, and items used in the water. When we move
our boats from one body of water to another, invasive species can move
with us. If the conditions are right, these species can spread and contaminate
the new waterways.
Test your clean boat savvy with a short quiz. By answering a few quick questions, you can show that you are ready to protect our waterways from harmful invasive species.
Why
Should I Care?
Because invasive species
have few predators they can out-compete native species for space and food.
This can lead to a reduction of native species, especially game fish populations,
and can make some lakes and rivers unsuitable for boating due to excessive
vegetation coverage. Some species of plants and mussels can ruin boat
engines and steering equipment by entangling propellers or attaching themselves
to boat equipment, resulting in large repair bills for boaters. Overall
invasive species degrade natural ecosystems and impair the value and uses
of the water bodies where they are found.
What
Can I Do?
- Learn to identify
invasive species in your area. See the list below of commonly found
invasive species in the U.S.
- Report sightings
of invasive species to your state’s natural resources agency.
- Drain livewells,
bilge water, and transom wells at the launch.
- Dispose of your
unwanted bait on land or in the trash, not in the water.
- Remove all vegetation
from boat, motor and trailer (see graphic below).
- Clean all equipment,
clothing and footwear.
- Don’t dip
your bait bucket into a lake or river if it contains water from another
waterbody.
Common
Invasive Species Include:
(click on each to learn more)
Crustaceans
Rusty
Crayfish
Spiny
Water Flea
Japanese
Shore Crab
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Zebra Mussels |
Mollusks
Zebra
Mussels
New
Zealand Mud Snail
Asian
Clam
Plants
Eurasian
Watermilfoil
Hydrilla
Water
Hyacinth
Purple
Loosestrife
Water
Chestnut
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Round Goby |
Fish
Sea
Lamprey
Ruffe
Round
Goby
Common
Carp
Others
Whirling
Disease
For more information
on Aquatic Nuisance Species visit Protect Your Water’s website by
clicking on their logo below.
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