invasive species spread – Aquarius-Systems

Water Hyacinth Threat Recognized as Early as 1914

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:11:07 +0000

Water hyacinth is a free floating aquatic plant that is native to South America. One of the fastest growing plants known, water hyacinth can double their population in two weeks. When not controlled, the aquatic plant will cover lakes and ponds entirely, dramatically affecting water flow, blocking sunlight from native aquatic plants and starves the water of oxygen, often killing fish and turtles.

In a letter dated October, 1914 between British officers water hyacinth is mentioned. They mentioned that water hyacinth has been noticed and although it is in small quantities, he heard about its widespread presence in the region.

Within a couple of months a pamphlet is created to pass along to the government to take notice of this dangerous plant and discussions for its removal commence.

Texas Freeze Did Not Stop Zebra Mussels Tilapia and Other Invasive Species

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 18:38:44 +0000

Not even a historic week of freezing temperatures and record-setting snowfall last month could mitigate some of the toughest and most threatening invasive species known to central Texas, biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say.

While many of native Texas wildlife were injured or killed by the winter weather, some invasive critters such as zebra mussels, tilapia and maybe even apple snails fared just fine, said Monica McGarrity, a senior scientist at Texas Parks and Wildlife who specializes in aquatic invasive species.

Read More https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/02/26/some-austins-toughest-invasive-species-survive-freeze-biologists-say/6821488002/

Ice Fishing and Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 02:37:00 +0000

When winter arrives and lakes freeze over, the true test of your love of fishing becomes apparent. Winter sportsmen are out in their shanties, drilling holes in the ice in the hopes of reeling in the “big one.” Those of us who live in areas of frozen lakes know that fish tales do not end when the boats are put away.

While these fishermen take to the lakes though they need to be aware that the threat of the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) does not go away. Eurasian watermilfoil which is capable of living and growing under the ice while other invasive species may simply be dormant, they can easily be spread from one water body to another.

There are steps that can be taken to help prevent the spread:

Thoroughly inspect and clean all fishing equipment, line, hooks, nets, scoops and augers after each use.
Drain all water from equipment and containers containing fish prior to leaving the ice.
If you are using live bait, buy it locally from a licensed bait dealer and dispose of any unused bait properly.
Pack out your waste from the ice and dispose of it in appropriate waste containers.
Dry all your equipment for 5 or more days or disinfect it with an appropriate disinfection solution.

Do your part to stop the spread.