DEQ - Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week: June 9-17, 2012

Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week: June 9-17, 2012

Contact: Sarah LeSage (lesages@michigan.gov) 517-241-7931

Statement of Purpose: Governor Rick Snyder has proclaimed June 9-17, 2012 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.

Aquatic Invasive Species Collage

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 nonindigenous aquatic species from around the world have become established 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.

How you can prevent the introduction and spread of Aquatic Invasive Species:

Inspect and remove plants, animals, and mud from your boat and equipment;
Drain all water from your boat's live wells, bilge, motor, etc.;
Dispose of your unwanted live bait in the trash;
Wash your boat and equipment with high-pressure or hot water, especially if moored for more than a day; or
Dry your boat and equipment thoroughly for at least 5 days
Do no release pets or aquatic plants into the wild

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 9-10 - Michigan DNR Free Fishing Weekend
June 25-27 - Inland Seas Education Association, Invasive Species Course
July 26 - Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council - Invasive Species Workshop
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.

As you travel across Michigan and see a 2012 AIS billboard...

Aquatic Invasive Species Billboard

...take the opportunity to educate your passengers about AIS, and have a safe relaxing summer!

Photo credit Sheryl Marsh @ Supergirl designs for the graphic artwork