Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
What is an Aquatic Invasive Species?
An aquatic invasive species is a plant or animal in any type of waterbody that is nonnative. Invasive species tend to “take over” and “outcompete” native plant or animal species for their space food and resources. Since invasive species tend not to have predators in the environments they take over, they tend to thrive and establish very healthy populations quickly if left unchecked.
Why should you care?
If an Aquatic invasive species is left unchecked, they can cause severe ecological and economical harm to the waterbodies they inhabit. They can impede recreational activities on waterbodies such as: fishing, waterfowl hunting, boating, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking, and scuba diving. They can also reduce the aesthetic feel of a lake, which is very concerning to many waterfront property owners.
How did they get here?
Invasive species can end up in different areas for a few different reasons. Some invasive species were introduced as an ornamental species or cultivated in farms. Others were introduced trough shipping and trade travel accidently. Some have even been introduced to stop another invasive species.
What Can you do to Prevent the spread?
Drain Campaign Guidelines
Drain Campaign Guidelines
Drain Campaign Guidelines
Inspect -your watercraft and trailer for AIS
Remove- the AIS from your watercraft or trailer
Drain- all water in your watercraft right after leaving you current waterbody
Never Move- an invasive species, if you pull a invasive species off of your watercraft or trailer, please dispose of it properly and DO NOT put it back into the waterbody it came from
Clean, Drain, Dry Idea
Drain Campaign Guidelines
Drain Campaign Guidelines
Clean- off all plant and animal material from your watercraft, including mud from your anchor
Drain- all water from your from your watercraft
Dry -off your watercraft after each use. You can also let your watercraft sit outside in the sun for five days
What else can you do?
Drain Campaign Guidelines
What else can you do?
Learn about aquatic invasive species in your area
Get involved in the Clean Boats Clean Waters Program
Get involved in the Citizens Lake Monitoring network
Ask your local Aquatic invasive species coordinator questions about your waterbody
Don't panic if you find an invasive species. There is always a removal solution
FLOW AIS Acrylics
