You don't have to be a scientist of a conservationist to help!

Photo: Jupiterimages, ThinkStock
Photo: Jupiterimages, ThinkStock
loading...

Each and every day the DNR works hard to protect the state’s waters from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). AIS are organisms with origins outside the Great Lakes that, if established, can harm lakes, rivers, wetlands and other water bodies in Michigan.

 

Everyone who enjoys Michigan’s waters has a role to play to assist in protecting against AIS. Here are a few simple things you can do!

 

Learn how to identify and report AIS:
If you equip yourself with the knowledge to properly identify AIS you can help the DNR discover threats. Check out new Invasive Species Alert documents from the DNR’s Fisheries Division that provide information on numerous species.

If you think you’ve found an invasive species – whether you discover it while you’re fishing, purchasing bait, or just out for a stroll on your favorite shoreline – the next step is to report it to the DNR! Check out the department’s Invasive Species Reporting in Michigan website for ways to do this.

 

Help prevent the introduction and/or spread of AIS:
There are many simple steps you can take to ensure you don’t accidentally introduce a new invasive species into Michigan’s waters or spread an already established invasive species even more. One of the easiest ones is: Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose!

Here’s how you do it:

  • Clean – remove aquatic plants from boats, boating equipment and boat trailers before launching or placing in the water.
  • Drain – empty live wells, bilges and all water from boats before leaving an access site.
  • Dry – your boats and equipment for at least 5 days before launching into a different body of water.
  • Dispose – put your unused bait in the trash. Do not release bait into the water.

 

Want to learn even more about how you can protect against AIS? Visit michigan.gov/fishing and click on the “Aquatic Invasive Species” button.

More From Kalamazoo's Country