What
can I do to prevent the spread of exotics?
Prevention is key because elimination is almost always impossible in
natural waters.
Clean your Boat
Report New Sightings
Know the Regulations
Plant only Native Species
Don't Release Pets and Plants
Clean
your Boat
Recreational boaters and anglers pose a risk for spreading harmful
aquatic exotic plants and animals. This is especially true if you
use your boat on more than one water body within a short period
of time, or if you moor your boat in the water for an extended time.
Here are some simple things that you can do as a boater or angler
to prevent the spread of exotics: |
- Remove
aquatic plants and animals
- Drain
lake or river water
- Dispose
of unwanted live bait on land
- Rinse
boat and equipment with high pressure, hot water, especially
if moored for more than a day (Boat Washing)
OR
- Dry
everything for at least 5 days
|
Report
New Sightings
Often,
citizens are the first to discover new infestations. In many zebra mussel-infested
lakes in the United States, citizens have detected them first, long
before they encrusted docks and pilings, or littered shorelines. Early
detection helps prevent and contain the spread of exotics, thus aiding
in the protection of water resources throughout the state. Report suspicious
plants and animals to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,
Minnesota Sea Grant or the Region 3 United States Fish and Wildlife
Service office listed below.
Don't
Release Pets and Plants
Releasing non-native plants and animals from aquariums or water gardens
into natural water bodies is not humane, ecological or legal! These
species can transmit parasites and diseases, take over native plant
and animal populations, degrade water quality, inhibit recreational
activities, and interfere with surface water withdrawal for power generation
and agriculture, not to mention the devastating effect on local fisheries.
Instead
of releasing pets and plants into natural water bodies, return them
to a local pet shop for resale or trade or donate them to a school or
another hobbyist.
Regional
Resources
Great Lakes Information Network
Great
Lakes Sea Grant Network
National
Resources
National Aquatic
Nuisance Species Clearinghouse
Aquatic Nuisance
Species Task Force
Center for Aquatic and Invasive
Plants
Sea Grant Nonindigenous Species Site
