Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that with a click of a mouse, residents can help fight aquatic pests in the Great Lakes and other Michigan waters by purchasing the new Great Lakes Protection Fund Decal. The decal is available starting today for $35 through the online Michigan Mall at www.michigan.gov/michiganestore.

This latest edition to the state's e-store collection was introduced by the Legislature to support the Great Lakes Protection Fund. Proceeds from decal sales support research on aquatic nuisance species such as the zebra mussel, public education on the threat of those species, and efforts to eradicate them.

"By purchasing a decal, you join the effort to help protect our Great Lakes and other waters," said Land, whose department is responsible for administering the program. "I've

talked to marina owners, boaters, fishermen and others who have experienced firsthand the damage these pests can do. By working together, we can improve our water quality. Buying a decal can help us eliminate zebra mussels and their kind."

The 2005 design features a leaping fish, bright sun over blue waters and an outline of Michigan, all encircled by a blue ring declaring "Protect Michigan's Great Lakes."

"I'd like to thank Senators Jason Allen and Patricia Birkholz and Representative David Palsrok, for supporting the bills that made this program possible," Land said. "They have also been instrumental in the design selection and in promoting this issue."

The 3-inch square decal is decorative only and does not replace any required watercraft registration or identification stickers. The decal adheres best to flat, smooth surfaces and may be placed wherever desired, including cars, trucks, trailers, boats and other vehicles.

To ensure the program is fiscally responsible, a minimum of 2,000 decals must be sold by Sept. 30, 2005. At least 500 decals must be sold each year thereafter for the program to continue.

Land, who oversees a watercraft registration database that tops 1 million, understands the importance of the Great Lakes for boat owners and all others who enjoy the water.

"Michigan's waters are a priceless commercial, recreational and environmental resource that support a number of thriving industries," Land said. "We stand to lose a lot if we don't take steps to protect our waters."

According to the Aquatic Nuisance Species task force, Great Lakes water users spend tens of millions of dollars on zebra mussel control every year. Invasive species also threaten the $4.5 billion sport- and commercial-fishing industries whose game fish are harmed by invasions of the sea lamprey, ruffe and round goby.

Aquatic nuisance species also damage environments through predation, competition for resources, by introducing new pathogens and genetics, as well as by altering native habitats.

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