Back to Press ReleasesSource: Pat Charlebois (847)872-0140
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2003
Steer Your Boat Clear of Invasive
Aquatic Species
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° 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
Products page.
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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.
Irene Miles
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
376 NSRC
1101 W. Peabody Dr.
Urbana, Il 61801
Phone: 217-333-8055
Fax: 217-333-8046
miles@illinois.edu
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