Many Aquatic Invasive Plants and Animals Are Here; More Are on the Doorstep

Many Aquatic Invasive Plants and Animals Are Here; More Are on the Doorstep

BACKGROUNDER

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: state.dnr.mn.us/invasives/aquatic

Boating, fishing, hunting, and watching wildlife are traditions we enjoy and want to preserve for our children and grandchildren. Today, these traditions are at risk because of aggressive aquatic invasive species (AIS) that wreak havoc with the natural ecosystems.

What’s here?

·  Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curlyleaf pondweed, flowering rush, spiny waterflea, faucet snail, brittle naiad, New Zealand mud snail, round goby, purple Loosestrife.

·  While all are of concern, zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and curleaf pondweed are the most widespread.

How many infested waters?

·  692 listed infested bodies of water (lakes, rivers, ponds or wetlands)

·  Waters are designated if they contain aquatic invasive species (AIS) that could spread to other waters, or if they’re likely to be infested because they’re connected to a body of water that contains aquatic invasive species.

What’s on Minnesota’s doorstep?

·  Hydrilla, quagga mussels, Asian carp and more.

What’s the harm?

·  AIS have ecological, economic and recreational effects on Minnesota’s waters.

·  Aquatic invasive animals such as zebra mussels clog boat and water intake pipes, adhere to hard surfaces (boats, docks, other floating objects), cut swimmers’ feet, filter the water leading to more clarity and increased native aquatic plant growth along with reducing food for young fish. Spiny waterflea cause a problem for anglers by forming a gelatinous globe on fishing lines, lures and downrigger cables. Faucet snails carry parasites that infect waterfowl.

·  Aquatic invasive plants like Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed form a thick mat that interferes with water recreation; they compete with healthy native aquatic plants essential to a healthy ecosystem and lead to water quality impairments.

What is the law?

·  It is illegal to transport any aquatic plant, zebra mussels, New Zealand mud snail or other prohibited species or to transport water from Minnesota lakes and rivers.

·  Starting July 1, 2015, trailer decals are required on all trailers. To get the decal, anyone who trailers a boat or water-related equipment must take online or written AIS training.

·  State law requires boaters to clean, drain and dry their boat. Drain plugs must be removed before transporting a boat.