Learn about how to prevent aquatic invasive species this fishing season
- by Guest Contributor
- March 22, 2022
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By DCNR
Fishing season is just around the corner in the PA Wilds and across PA. The PA Wilds has over 2,000 miles of wild trout streams to experience this season, so now is a great time to learn about how to prevent Aquatic Invasive Species.
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) (also referred to as aquatic nuisance species or ANS) are aquatic animals and plants that have been introduced into waterways in which they do not live naturally. They have harmful effects on the natural resources in these ecosystems and the human uses of these resources.
In addition to the banned species below, some of the least-wanted AIS in Pennsylvania are: New Zealand Mudsnail, Sea Lamprey, Hydrilla, Spiny Water Flea, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Asian ClamO, and Red-eared Slider (turtle). In 2004, northern snakehead (ID poster) were first found in Pennsylvania waters.
It’s not always “foreign invaders” that are the problem. White perch and flathead catfish are other examples of species that have turned up where they don’t belong. While native to some PA watersheds, they have been introduced to other areas where they are not wanted.
Aquatic species banned in Pennsylvania (sale, barter, possession or transportation)
- Bighead carp (Hypophtalmichtys nobilis)
- Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)
- Crayfish (all species) except when they are either transported:
- As bait on, in or about the water from which taken.
- For testing and scientific purposes or restaurant consumption, adequate measures have been taken to prevent their escape and they are accompanied by documentation stating the point of origin and the destination to which they are to be delivered.
- European rudd (Scardinius erythropthalmus)
- Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis)
- Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
- Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus)
- Silver carp (Hypophtalmichtys molitrix)
- Snakehead (all species) (ID poster)
- Tubenose goby(Proterothinus marmoratus)
- Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
Definitions
- Biodiversity — The variety of species, their genetic makeup, and the natural communities in which they occur.
- Introduced species — A species living outside of its natural geographic range. Can be deliberately or accidentally introduced or brought into the new ecosystem. Also called exotic, non-native, nuisance or invasive species.
Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
- Invasive — Spreading or taking over. Invasive species often take over or dominate a habitat.
- Native — An animal or plant originating in a region or geographic range. For example, brook trout are native to Pennsylvania.
STOP 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.
Clean Your Gear
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers by following these simple steps. Check your equipment before leaving any body of water. Inspect every inch of your boat, trailer and fishing gear. Remove and leave behind plants, mud and aquatic life.
Check Your Boat & Fishing Gear
Do not transport any potential hitchhiker, even back to your home. Remove and leave them at the site you visited. Below are a list of things to check before leaving the site you visited.
- Anchor and line
- Motor lower unit
- Hull
- Trailer hitch, rollers, lights and axle
- Life jackets
- Swimming floats, water skis, wakeboards or tubes
- Shoes or boots
- Clothing
- Fishing vests
- Fishing rod, reel and line
- Hooks and lures
- Tackle boxes
Drain
Drain water from all equipment before leaving the area you are visiting. Some species may live for months in water that has not been removed. Below is a checklist of items to drain and clean.
- Motors
- Jet drives
- Live wells
- Compartments
- Boat hulls
- Bilge
- Shoes, boots and waders
- Bait buckets
- Life jackets
- Swimming floats, water skis, wakeboards or tubes
Many AIS can’t be seen and are microscopic. It’s important to clean your gear even if it doesn’t appear to have anything on it. Follow the cleaning instructions below after the water has been removed.
- Use hot (140° F) water to clean your equipment.
- Spray equipment with a high-pressure washer. If hot water is not available, a commercial hot water car wash also makes an ideal location to wash your boat, motor and trailer.
Or, dry everything before entering new waters. Allow equipment to dry to the touch, and then allow it to dry another 48 hours. Thick and dense material like life jackets and felt-soled wading gear will hold moisture longer, take longer to dry and can be more difficult to clean.
