Aquatic Invasive Species Reporting in Michigan

The following information is a guide for reporting aquatic invasive species in Michigan.

Helpful Hints on Identification

For help with identification of invasive species, refer to the following resources:

• Aquatic invasive plant identification
• Asian carp identification
• Snakehead fish identification
• Various animals (birds, insects, mammals) and plants

Aquatic Invasive Species "Watch List" (species that should be reported immediately and directly to staff)

The aquatic invasive species on the watch list (categorized by groups below) are priority species which have been identified as being an immediate and significant threat to Michigan's natural resources. These species either have never been confirmed in the wild in Michigan or have very limited known distribution. Early detection and timely reporting of these species is crucial for increasing the chances of stopping the species from becoming established and thus limiting the potential ecological, social and economic impacts. Use the contacts listed below to report watch list species.

Fish and other aquatic animals (except mammals)

• Asian carps
  • Silver carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix)
  • Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys noblis)
  • Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
• Northern snakehead (Channa argus)
• Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkia)
• Any unknown fish or aquatic animal (e.g. other crayfish or mussel)

Report the species above to Tom Goniea - DNR Fisheries Division, gonieat@michigan.gov or 517-373-7341 - or for Asian carp, report online at www.michigan.gov/asiancarp.

Aquatic Plants

• Parrot feather (Myriophylumm aqauticum)
• European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)
• Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus)
• Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa)
• Hydrilla (Hyrdrilla verticillata)
• Water chestnut (Trapa natans)
• Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
• Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
• Any other unidentified invasive plant

Report the species above to Matt Ankney - DNR Wildlife Division, AnkneyM2@michigan.gov or 517-641-4903, ext. 260.

Mammals

• Nutria (Myocastor coypus)

Report the species above to DNR-InvasiveSpecies@michigan.gov.