Anglers reminded to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species

[GLF]

Madison,Wisconsin – With the regular fishing season set to open Saturday, May 6, anglers are urged to take steps to avoid accidentally spreading aquatic invasive species in lakes and rivers to more waters. Despite boater surveys showing that 80 percent of boaters say they take the necessary steps to prevent their spread, in 2005 zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil were documented in 31 new waters, a typical rate of introduction in recent years.

“The good news is that boaters are changing their behavior – 80 percent are complying based on our 2003 boater survey, up from 39 percent in a similar survey in 1994,†says Ron Martin, who coordinates invasive species management efforts for the Department of Natural Resources.

“The vast majority of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes and 44,000 miles of streams don’t have the aquatic invasive species,†he

says. “But 20 percent of 600,000 boaters not complying is still a problem, and new infestations are a problem. All it takes is a couple of careless boaters and more waterbodies become infested.â€

More than 160 invasive aquatic species have entered the Great Lakes over the last 150 years and some are spreading to inland waters where they can affect lake ecosystems and hamper recreation. The major way they spread is aboard boats and boat trailers, and in bait buckets and bilge water.

The most common and problematic invasive species in Wisconsin waters are the Eurasian water milfoil, a plant that grows thick mats just below the water’s surface that can interfere with boating and swimming, and zebra mussels, a small but prolific mussel which can disrupt ecosystems, clog boat engines and utility intakes, and whose sharp shells can cut the feet of beachgoers.