By Bay Mills Biology Dept.
For Bay Mills News
Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week begins June 3
June 3 to 11 is Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in Michigan.
A species is regarded as invasive if it has been introduced by human action to a location, area, or region where it did not previously occur naturally, becomes capable of establishing a population in the new location, and spreads.
Aquatic invasive species negatively impact the biodiversity and ecological integrity as well as the recreational and economic value of our waters. With few to no natural predators, they can quickly outcompete native species or disturb the aquatic food web once introduced.
In this area we are particularly interested in aquatic invasive species, since much of the area is affected by water and the resources it provides. The introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species can be combatted when you learn how to identify these species and prevent them from hitchhiking along as you enjoy our waters.
How are they introduced?
Common sources of aquatic invasive species introduction include ballast water, aquaculture escapes, and accidental and/or intentional introductions. Accidental introductions have occurred when artificial waterways were built connecting previously separate waters, by release of bait fish into waters, and release of pet fish and plants from aquariums. Some intentional introductions have been made to increase sport fish and to increase forage for sport fish.
Some invasive species in our area and their impacts reviewed:
Fish
The sea lamprey is now infamous for its devestating predation on lake trout and other Great Lakes species. Eurasian ruffe are associated with a decline in desirable species such as yellow perch. Round goby prey on small fish, fry, and eggs, depleting populations of desirable species.
Invertebrates
The proliferation of zebra mussels in the Great Lakes basin in the last two decades has disrupted the ecosystem balance as zebra mussels filter feed on phytoplankton, the base of the food web. They also impact native mussels by attaching to them as well as cause headaches by encrusting themselves everywhere from boats to water treatment facility pipes. The spiny water flea preys on other zooplankton, competing directly with planktiverous fish for food. Rusty crayfish are spreading in the western Upper Peninsula as they outcompete native crayfish and cause declines in populations and biodiversity of some aquatic plants, invertebrates, and fish. The New Zealand mudsnail can reach densities of up to 800,000 per square meter. This snail can flourish in a wide range of temperatures, surviving in environments of 36¡F to 80¡F. It was first identified in Lake Superior.
Plants
Eurasian water-milfoil is present in waters in both peninsulas. It chokes out native vegetation, depletes dissolved oxygen levels, as well as forming dense populations that impede recreational water use and fishing. It is almost impossible to eradicate. To eradicate purple loosestrife, an emergent plant spreading by the abundant seed it produces that chokes out native wetland vegetation.
Top Ten Things you can do personally to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (Source: http://www.michigan.gov):
1. Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals from boats, trailers and equipment before transport.
2. Wash boats and trailers with a power washer, if available.
3. Eliminate water from equipment before transport.
4. Clean and dry anything that comes in contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.)
5. Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge, and transom wells at the ramp or access before leaving.
6. Put a cap of detergent in the bilge of your boat and rinse it out on land.
7. Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came from that body of water.
8. Learn to recognize the appearance and characteristics of aquatic invasive species. Invasive species watch cards describing how to identify invasives and distinguish them from similar native species are available in the Biological Services department in the tribal administration building as well as at Department of Natural Resources offices.
9. Destroy any aquatic nuisance species when caught and dispose in trash.
10. Report any unusual fish or plants to your local fisheries station.
Please contact Bay Mills Biological Services for more information on aquatic invasive species.
