Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

With record breaking temperatures this past summer the lakes and rivers of Montana were packed with individuals just trying to keep cool; packing up from one lake to the next to experience the multitude of locations available to help beat the heat.  While enjoying the sun and the swim you may not be thinking of the critters or the plants you may be packing up with you.  It’s important to be aware of the varying Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) that have found their way into Montana’s waters and know the proper measures to take to ensure these species are not spread.

AIS poses threats to our native species and can ruin fisheries and damage local infrastructure.  Extremely common AIS that have found their way here are zebra mussels, New Zealand mud snails, curly leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, Flowering rush, and Whirling disease.  These AIS typically get transported here by watercrafts, waders, and fishing gear.  Invasive species like the curly leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, and flowering rush grow at an aggressive rate and clog up canals and waterways, choking out native plant species and causing issues for boaters as they wade through the water.  Zebra mussels rapidly multiply and cause disruptions in the food web that strip away essential nutrients for local fish.  Their shells are sharp and while they cling to hard surfaces and litter the shorelines they can easily cut you if stepped on or brushed past.  New Zealand mud snails also contribute to disruption in the food web by outcompeting local invertebrates and starving local trout.  While it’s not harmful for the trout to eat them, they provide no nutritional value, this in addition to outcompeting the local invertebrates means the trout suffer severely in getting the proper nutrients for survival.

Even more harmful to our local fish is whirling disease, which is caused by a microscopic parasite known by its scientific name, Myxobolus cerebralis.  This parasite affects salmon, trout, and whitefish and requires a two-host life cycle involving the fish and an aquatic worm.  The parasite proceeds by attacking the fish internally by eating cartilage from the head and spine.  In turn creating deformities that inhibit the fish from functioning properly and causing upwards of a 90% fatality rate.  It’s important to note that this parasite does not affect humans directly but with the rise of the parasites in fish it can severely cut down the population of salmonoids. By severely depleting a vital food source that many communities rely on and degrading river ecosystems and water quality, the loss of salmonoids can cause a detrimental impact on our economy and cause issues within our ecological systems.

The more aware we are of these species and of our own travels from one water way to the next, the better we can manage the spread of AIS.  One major component of ensuring the reduced spread of AIS is the requirement of watercraft inspections throughout Montana.  Thanks to the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department that works closely with Conservation Districts and Aquatic Invasive Species Districts there are a multitude of inspection stations throughout Montana.  These inspection stations are key in ensuring watercrafts are properly decontaminated from invasive species.  Check out the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species/out-of-state-watercraft, where you can find out more about inspection stations, what to expect, and locations near you.

Another adoption of safe practices when it comes to transferring your watercrafts and other water equipment is to implement the Clean, Drain, Dry initiative.  Start with cleaning all of your watercrafts and water equipment before you leave the access area.  Cleaning will remove any organisms that have attached themselves to your equipment.  A simple rinse will wash them away, but utilizing hot water poses a more effective tactic by killing the invasive species.  Utilizing a pressure washer will ensure mud and debris are removed thoroughly.  During this process it’s important to look in crevices to ensure nothing is tucked inside that could easily be transported to the next area.  Draining water out of your watercraft and equipment assists in removing smaller less visible organisms.  Finally dry your watercrafts and equipment as AIS can only be sustained in wet areas.  If feasible, leave your equipment out in the sun for as long as possible, if that is not an option, drying with a towel is the next best choice.

It is only through awareness, education, and following these simple practices that we can effectively reduce or eliminate the spread of AIS.  With the implementation of such small acts, we can make a big impact on ensuring our waterways remain viable with native plants and species.  These precautions will help our ecosystems, our economy, and ourselves remain sustainable and healthy.