Statement of Purpose : Governor Rick Snyder has proclaimed  June 11-19, 2011   as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in Michigan to encourage people to help protect our waters by taking steps to prevent the spread and introduction of aquatic invasive species. 

• Governor's Proclamation
• Senate Resolution
• House Resolution
• Press Release

Aquatic invasive species or AIS are waterborne, non-native organisms that threaten Michigan's Great Lakes and inland waters. AIS can compete with native species for food and habitat, prey on native species, disrupt ecosystem stability, impact water quality as well as commercial and recreational activities, affect property values, and cost millions of dollars in prevention and control. Over 180 AIS from around the world have established populations in the Great Lakes Basin.

Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity to learn about aquatic invasive species, their impacts on Michigan waters, as well as what you can do to prevent their introduction and spread in your local area and throughout the state.  The good news is that there are prevention steps that we can take when boating, fishing, and otherwise enjoying the water that can help prevent the spread of invasive species. Before taking your boat or equipment to a new waterbody: 

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species 

• DEQ AIS  
• DNR Asian Carp and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)   
• Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!  www.protectyourwaters.net     
• Michigan Sea Grant AIS   
• NOAA Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System 

Get Involved - Events, Activities and Volunteer Opportunities 

• Promote AIS Awareness! 
• Report new sightings to 1-877-STOP-ANS or (877-786-7267) or the National Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Information System 
• June 11-12 - Michigan DNR Free Fishing Weekend 
• Huron Pines Invasive Species Summit 
• June 27-29 - Inland Seas Education Association, Invasive Species Course 
• Clean Boats, Clean Waters 
• DNR Volunteer Stewardship Programs 
• Michigan Stewardship Network Events 
• Michigan Nature Association 
• The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Chapter 
• Purple Loosestrife Project 

Contact Information 

For more information about other activities occurring in your area, contact your local state, county or city park or your local Chamber of Commerce, municipality or lake association. 

For more information contact:
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 30458   
Lansing, MI 48909-7958
Phone: 517-241-7931
Fax: 517-373-9958 
Email:  lesages@michigan.gov 

Photo credit Sheryl Marsh @ Supergirl designs for the graphic artwork