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Bighead carp, silver carp, Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels and other nonnative aquatic species threaten Iowa waters. These aquatic invaders do not occur naturally in our lakes and rivers. When transplanted into them, these exotic species can cause ecological and economic harm by displacing native plants and animals, damaging water resources, and interfering with waterbased recreation, including fishing. The good news is that most of Iowa waters are not infested with aquatic nuisance species. The main way these invasive species spread between waterbodies is by hitching a ride with anglers, boaters and other water recreationists on boats and equipment, on aquatic plants, and in water. If you leave a waterbody without taking precautions, you may be spreading the invasive species from one waterbody to another. Fortunately, there are a few simple actions you can take to prevent their spread:
It is illegal for anglers to possess, introduce, purchase, sell, or transport aquatic invasive species in Iowa except when a species is being removed from watercraft and equipment, is caught and immediately killed or returned to the water from which it came, or is being transported in a sealed container for identification purposes. It is also illegal to introduce any live fish, except for hooked bait, into public waters. To learn more about how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, follow this link.
WHEN YOU GO TO ANY WATER BODY, DRAIN YOUR LIVE WELL AND EMPTY YOUR BAIT BUCKET, YOU MAY HAVE SOME UNWELCOME HITCHHIKERS.
What are nuisance species? "Nuisance" species- those organisms that are introduced into habitats where they are not native- are severe world-wide agents of habitat alteration and degradation. They are a major cause of loss in biological diversity, and are often considered "biological pollutants." Why are nuisance species a concern? Introducing nuisance species accidentally or intentionally is risky business. Freed from the predators, parasites, pathogens, and competitors that have kept their numbers in check in their native habitats, these species, when introduced into new habitats, often overrun their new home and crowd out the previous, native occupants. When the new habitat provides a favorable environment and enough food, the populations of the exotics will explode. Once established, these species can rarely be eliminated. Where do nuisance species come from? Most species introductions are the work of humans. Some introductions, such as that of the Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), are intentional and do unexpected damage. But many exotic introductions are accidental. The species are carried in on animals, vehicles, ships, commercial goods, produce, and even clothing. Some species introductions are ecologically harmless and some are even beneficial. However, other species introductions are harmful to recreation and ecosystems. They have even caused the extinction of some native species- especially those of confined habitats such as islands and aquatic ecosystems. Are all introduced species bad? No, they aren't all bad. There are also several non-native species in Iowa waters that are not harmful to native species. In fact, some of them are stocked as popular game fishes. These non-invasive species include:
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