Help Prevent Invasive Plants and Animals

Boating and fishing laws to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species are in effect. Be sure you are familiar with these laws before you head out.

Invasive species such as the zebra mussel, round goby, sea lamprey, Eurasian ruffe, European frog-bit, Eurasian watermilfoil, rusty crayfish and spiny water flea are causing significant damage to Michigan’s waters. A number of species could potentially reach the Great Lakes, including bighead and silver carp traveling up the Illinois River and Chicago Area Waterway System and snakehead fish, found in other Midwest states. Invasive species are harmful to recreational boating and fishing and cause extensive economic and natural resource damage.

Boaters and anglers can help prevent the spread of fish diseases and invasive aquatic species by taking the following steps:

Clean, Drain and Dry boats, trailers and gear to prevent moving aquatic invasive species and fish diseases.

• It is illegal to place a boat, boating equipment, or boat trailer in the water in Michigan if the boat, equipment or trailer has an aquatic plant attached.
• Boaters are required to drain all bilges and live wells when leaving a water body.
• Clean boats, trailers, and other equipment thoroughly before moving from one water body to another to keep from transporting undesirable fish pathogens and organisms. A 10% bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant for cleaning your equipment.
• After cleaning, allow boats, trailers and other equipment to dry for at least 5 days in the sun before use.

Don’t Dump Bait – dispose of bait on land or in the trash to stop the spread of invasive species and fish disease.

• Michigan’s Fish Disease Control Order prohibits moving many fish and baitfish species from one water body to another.

Ships – Exchange Ballast Water

• Vessels equipped with ballast water tanks that enter a United States port on the Great Lakes are required to follow U.S. Coast Guard guidelines for exchanging or disinfecting ballast water prior to entry to prevent aquatic invasive species. Review the law.

Natural resource managers are concerned about introduction of new species and urge people to report any discoveries. Anglers should save and report unidentified fish to contacts listed at Michigan.gov/Invasives or use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network at www.misin.msu.edu.