Aquatic Aliens

Aquatic Aliens. Invasive species leave a permanent footprint on the Great Lakes. , Michigan is the center of the most precious freshwater resource in the world, the Great Lakes. We utilize the massive lakes for recreation, transportation, food and drinking water. The 4 quadrillion gallons of freshwater contained within the five lakes and their watersheds are in danger. More than 160 aquatic species from other areas of the world have been introduced to the great lakes. With no natural predators their populations explode, taking over or eliminating native species which are vital to the food web. , Zebra and Quagga Mussels , These mussels are native to Asia and were likely introduced to the Great Lakes in the ballast water of ocean freighters. They will take advantage of any available space, including man-made structures and even native mussels. Both quagga and zebra mussels filter large amounts of phytoplankton and particulate matter from the water. This decreases the food sources for zooplankton and microorganisms, which form the base of the aquatic food web. , Eurasian Ruffe , This perch-like fish is native to Europe and Asia. It was first spotted in Lake Superior in 1986, probably after arriving in ballast water carried in the bottom of sea-going vessels. The ruffe competes with native fish for habitat and food, altering the Great Lakes food web. It eats almost anything, including eggs of other fish, small aquatic insects and other bottom-dwelling organisms. , Rusty Crayfish , This aggressive crayfish devours 3-4 times the food of native crayfish thus upsetting the local ecosystem. It has prominent rusty spots on either side of its carapace. A native of the Ohio River Basin, it likely entered Michigan waters as discarded bait. , Round Goby , This bottom-dwelling species is native to Asia and was first discovered in the St. Clair River in 1990. Once established, populations can increase quickly. They not only take over optimal habitat, they also eat native fish, their eggs and their young. Round gobies can survive in poor quality water and spawn multiple times a season. They are commonly caught on hook and line. , Sea Lamprey , Sea lamprey are native to the Atlantic Ocean and were first discovered in the Great Lakes in 1931. The parasitic adults are 1-2 feet long and feed on the blood of large fish such as lake trout, salmon and even walleye. Control efforts have been in place since the 1960s to effectively decrease the lamprey populations, but this species will never be completely eradicated from the Great Lakes. , Eurasian Watermilfoil , Exotic aquatic plants, like Eurasian watermilfoil, also endanger our waters. These plants literally smother native plants and can take over waterways in a matter of months. Milfoil often piles up on beaches and gets wrapped around propellers. It's important to clean weeds off your boat, because they can produce a whole colony from a single two inch strand. , Looming threats... , Snakehead , Native to Africa and Asia, these VERY aggressive predators can alter an ecosystem. Snakeheads became established by releases from aquarium owners and asian fish farmers. Not to be confused with the native bowfin (dogfish) or the American burbot. , Asian Carp , The monster Asian carp, is a voracious eater and can weigh over 100 pounds. This invasive threatens native fish and habitat and would become the largest fish in the Great Lakes. , How you can help , Drain all the water from the boat, motor, bilge, live wells and bait wells before leaving the access site., Inspect your boat and equipment and remove all aquatic plants from your trailer, propeller and anchor., Dispose of leftover bait in a trash receptacle, not in the water. , Rinse boat and all of your fishing equipment with hot tap water, or thoroughly dry your boat and your fishing equipment , Leave them outside in the sun for five days , before going to new waters., Big or small, they all make an impact!