invasive aquatic plants Alaska – Aquarius-Systems

Elodea Infestation Threatens Floatplane Operations at Lake Hood

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:12:13 +0000

A weed infestation so bad it’s disturbing navigation for planes on Lake Hood has prompted the state to request an emergency herbicide application before someone gets hurt.

Lake Hood in Alaska, known as the world’s busiest floatplane base, is exploding with greenery fueled by this year’s warm summer. But the lush underwater vegetation now includes recently discovered elodea, a leafy green aquarium plant invading Alaska’s slow-moving waterways and crowding out native species.

Along with fouling planes, dense mats of elodea also snag boats, reduce property values, and can threaten salmon by sheltering predatory pike. Floatplanes in summer make hundreds of daily trips on and off Lake Hood, leading to concern elodea will spread to remote water bodies with the planes unless it’s stopped.

The safety risks are significant enough that the Alaska Department of Natural Resources applied to the state Department of Environmental Conservation for an emergency exemption that slashes the time it would take to get a permit to apply herbicides to kill the weeds.

Elodea Spread in Alaska Raises Concern for Fish Habitat

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:53:16 +0000

Two species of elodea have been found recently in a handful of lakes and sloughs in Alaska. While native in some of the lower 48 states, these species are the first invasive aquatic weeds in Alaska.

A big concern is how the alien weed will degrade fish habitat for species such as salmon, trout and grayling. Another is how to stop the spread.

Floatplanes are a diabolically effective way for the plant to colonize new lakes and rivers. In September, Steve Swenson, with the US Forest Service conducted an aerial study landed on elodea-infested Martin Lake. Before departing the aquatic plants were carefully removed from the rudders of the float plane.

However, shortly after takeoff a piece of elodea was noticed on the rudder. Unfortunately there was nothing that could be done and shortly before landing at Hinchinbrook Island, the hitch hiker was gone.

Elodea Invasion Threatens Alaska’s Sand Lake Waterways

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 21:01:37 +0000

Residents watched as the water on Sand Lake steadily turned greener. Weeds wrapped around rudders of float plants and choked the canal area. The bottom of the lake eventually vanished from view as Alaska’s first know submerged invasive aquatic plant, elodea reared its ugly head.

Ecologists warn that the plant, known for its dense growth and high cold tolerance, threatens boating, float plane and commercial and sport fishing enterprises and could eventually affect fish species in water bodies across Alaska.

While the invasion is still contained to a relatively small number of waterways, members of the ecological research community are urging a quick response.

Elodea Invasion Could Cost Alaska’s Salmon Industry Millions

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 21:19:47 +0000

A common aquarium plant illegally dumped into Alaskan waters that has adapted to cold weather could threaten wild salmon habitat and cost the commercial fishing industry hundreds of millions of dollars.

A recent study conducted by ISER, the Institute of Social and Economic Research, found that if not managed, the cost of the elodea invasion could cost the commercial sockeye fishing industry $159 million each year. They even say that there is a 5% chance that the costs could exceed $577 million annually.

Elodea is Alaska’s first invasive aquatic plant and has spread across the state in the past decade.