Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are plants or animals that are introduced into waterways where they do not live naturally. AIS have harmful effects on the habitat, people’s use of the waterways and/or people’s health.
Stop the Spread
Anglers and boaters can be the first line of defense against introducing AIS into new waters. Follow simple steps — check, drain, clean and dry gear — to help prevent the spread of AIS.
When retrieving your boat for the day, check the boat, motor and trailer for weeds and other things “tagging along.”
- Wash your boat’s hull with hot water or with a high-pressure spray.
- Drain livewells, bilges and other compartments.
- Drain all standing water from your boat.
- Don’t dump leftover bait into the water you’re fishing, unless you collected the bait there.
Learn more about how you can stop the spread of these common aquatic invasive species.
Red-Eared Sliders
Red-eared Slider turtles make fine pets, but should be kept as such. When people release their pet Red-eared Sliders into the wild, those turtles compete with native species for food and other resources.
Hydrilla
Hydrilla has been known to be called “the perfect weed.” It grows quickly in a variety of conditions to choke waterbodies and cause lots of hassle for anglers and boaters.
Rusty Crayfish
Rusty Crayfish can grow to large sizes, quickly reproducing and out-competing native crayfish species for food and resources.