JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

Eurasian Watermilfoil
Photo: Alison Fox, University of Florida, Bugwood.org
Aquatic
Nuisance Species
What is an “aquatic nuisance species”?
Aquatic nuisance species are non-native plants and animals that can
wreak havoc on our aquatic natural resources and on the human use of
these resources. Examples of these in other parts of the United States
include the sea lamprey in the Great Lakes, giant salvinia in the marshes
of Louisiana, and the snakehead fish in the Potomac River. In Tennessee
over 55 aquatic nuisance species (ANS) have been identified including
the bighead and silver carp, zebra mussels, and Eurasian water milfoil.
Are all non-native species bad?
Not all non-native plants and animals in Tennessee are considered to
be a nuisance. In fact, some non-native fish, such as brown trout and
striped bass, are considered to be desirable and highly sought after in
Tennessee. However, more often than not, most non-native plants and
animals cause more harm than good. Bighead and silver carp compete
directly for plankton with native fish such as paddlefish and buffalo.
Silver carp also pose a threat to human health due to their leaping ability,
colliding into boaters, water skiers, and personal watercraft when startled.
Although they are more of a concern in the Great
Lakes region, zebra mussels have impacted some
areas of Tennessee economically by fouling intake
pipes as well as ecologically by competing with the
native mussels for food and space. Eurasian water
milfoil provides excellent cover for many species
of fish, however its ability to grow and proliferate
makes it a nuisance to boaters and dock owners
in some bodies of water in Tennessee.
How did they get here?
The term used to describe how ANS are
introduced into new environments or how they
are spread is “pathway”. Pathways can be defined
as “the means by which species are transported
from one location to another”. These “means” can be natural or manmade,
accidental or intentional, and include many activities, media, and
occurrences. Natural pathways may be our interconnected waterways,
waterfowl, or pond breaches. Examples of accidental pathways are
recreational boaters, bait distribution, and fishing gear. Intentional
pathways include fish and aquatic plant stockings, aquaculture, and
aquarium and water garden markets.
So what’s the big deal?
As far as the environment is concerned, Tennessee is one of the most
biodiverse states in the nation. Currently there are over 315 species of
fish, 120 species of freshwater mussels, and 84 species of crayfish in
by Bobby Wilson, Assistant Chief of Fisheries Management
Silver carp also pose a
threat to human health
due to their leaping
ability, colliding with
boaters, water skiers,
and personal watercraft
when startled.
Numerous silver c
our State. Aquatic nuisance species pose serious problems to many of
these species in Tennessee. They can affect the economy of our state
as well. It is estimated that the economic impact of sport fishing in
Tennessee is over a billion dollars and the wholesale value of commercial
fishing is almost 3 million dollars. As mentioned previously, silver carp
also threaten human health and recreational boating due to jumping into
boaters and skiers when startled. These species are already abundant in
the Mississippi River, but they have been found in the Cumberland and
Tennessee River systems as well.
What is Tennessee doing to address the problem?
In February 2005, Governor Phil Bredesen approved the formation of
a committee to develop a management plan for aquatic nuisance species.
The group, with members representing governmental as well as non
governmental interests, met during 2005-2007 to develop a management
plan. The Tennessee ANS Task Force has completed the final draft of
the plan and it will soon be signed by Governor Bredesen. The main
focus of the ANS management plan is to prevent new introductions.
Prevention however, will only assist in reducing
the number of new species entering Tennessee
waters. Management and control of existing
nuisance species must also be undertaken to limit
their negative impacts.
What will the ANS plan do?
The goal of the plan is “to control existing
aquatic nuisance species in Tennessee in order to
minimize the adverse impacts on native species,
water quality, and economies by preventing the
introduction and spread of any invasive species
and by managing the impacts of those that are
already in Tennessee.” As mentioned previously,
to accomplish this goal, the Tennessee ANS task
force identified two major objectives: 1. Prevention of new aquatic
nuisance species, and 2. Management of existing aquatic nuisance
species.
There are 26 strategies and 67 actions listed in the plan to address
the objectives. Some of the first actions are anticipated to be the
development of educational materials such as pamphlets, posters, DVDs,
and an ANS web site; hiring a statewide ANS coordinator; improving
enforcement and regulations that prohibit the possession, purchase,
and transport of ANS in Tennessee; developing a rapid response plan
to control or eradicate priority ANS populations; and developing plans
and coordinate responses with full partner participation.
28 2008 Fishing Guide