May 22, 2003

URBANA--Last summer Asian carp and snakeheads, invasive fish species, received plenty of attention because they are big and pose a dramatic threat to U.S. waterways. But they are just two of many non-native species that can disrupt the ecological and economic health of lakes and rivers.

This summer, when heading out to boat or fish in waterways near and far, you can help protect your favorite lake or stream by taking steps that help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species of all sizes.

“Aquatic nuisance species introduced into local waters can reduce fishing and can clog waterways, making fishing, boating and swimming difficult. They can also be quite costly to both recreational and commercial industries,” said Pat Charlebois, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant biological resources specialist.

There are several ways that boaters and anglers can help prevent the spread of these invasive species. First of all, never release live bait into a waterway. “It is very important to properly dispose of any leftover bait or bait bucket water,” said Charlebois. “Bait may contain nuisance species and the water may also, in the form of microscopic zebra mussel veligers and invasive waterfleas.” Simply throw any leftover bait in the trash and dump bait bucket water on land.

Invasive species can also be transported in the water of livewells, motors, bilges, and transom wells of a boat, so before you leave the launch, drain any standing water from these areas onto land. Be careful that the water does not drain back into the waterway.

Hitchhikers can attach to your boat when you move it from one water body to another, as well as ride on trailers, motors, tackle, downriggers, anchors, axles, rollers and centerboards. “Even a small piece of Eurasian watermilfoil attached to an anchor can lead to an infestation of the whole waterway,” said Charlebois.

Before launching, inspect your boat and equipment and remove all plants and animals. Wash your boat and other equipment to kill any exotic species that are not visible. You should use hot water (104 degree F) or a high-pressure sprayer.

It’s a good idea to become familiar with invasive species and to know which lakes and streams are infected. If you think you’ve happened on a new infestation, contact Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant at 847-872-8677 or call your local Department of Natural Resources.

To see 3-D images of a number of problem species--mollusks, crustaceans, fish and plants--go to www.sgnis.org. You can order brochures, invasive species watch cards and “Don’t Dump Bait!” stickers (as a reminder on your bait bucket) on Sea Grant’s Web site at www.iisgcp.org/pubs/br/index.html.

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The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program is one of 30 National Sea Grant College Programs. Created by Congress in 1966, Sea Grant combines university, government, business and industry expertise to address coastal and Great Lakes needs. Funding is provided by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U. S. Department of Commerce, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University at West Lafayette, Indiana.