Going Green in the Blue
Did you know that there are a number of species of aquatic life that are threatening the environment, local economies and human health? Most of these are caused by people (1) releasing unwanted aquarium plants and pets into local waterways, storm drains or sewer systems; (2) water gardeners not handling their gardens properly; (3) anglers and (4) boaters. For example, the Red Lionfish, normally native to the western Pacific but contained in aquariums in Florida, were released in the Atlantic during a hurricane. The species became established along the Atlantic coast from southern Florida to New York. It is thought that these Lionfish are impacting commercially important native fish populations through predation and that they could potentially spread parasites and disease. These fish also have venomous spines, and they many act aggressively, presenting a potential hazard to divers and fishermen.
The prevention and control of invasive species requires modifying the public’s behaviors, values and beliefs, and changing the way decisions are made, says the National Invasive Species Council in its National Management Plan. This means we need to be more responsible in caring for our aquatic environment–going green in the blue.
Aquarium Hobbyists
You can protect our environment by NEVER releasing unwanted aquarium plants and aquatic pets into local waterways, storm drains and sewer systems as non-native species can cause a myriad of problems. Pour aquarium water into the toilet or sink. Only purchase native species for your tank. Contact a retailer for possible returns or trades, as well as proper handling techniques. Give or trade with another aquarist. Donate to a local nature center, aquarium, school or aquatic business. Seal aquatic plants in plastic bags, freeze for 24 hours and dispose of in trash. Contact your vet or pet retailer for guidance about humane disposal of animals. Beside the Lionfish mentioned above, other invasives include: Applesnail, Brazilian Elodea and the Goldfish.
Anglers
You can protect fishing areas by NEVER releasing live bait into local waterways. Anglers can introduce new species when non-native live bait is used and either escapes from the hook or the bait well, or is accidentally or intentionally released. Practice the following responsible behaviors. Share leftover live bait with other anglers. Use native bait and use cut bait or artificial lures. Empty your bait bucket in the trash before leaving the fishing area. Avoid dipping your bait bucket into a body of water if the bucket contains water from another area. Be familiar with any bait regulations; in some waters it is illegal to use live bait. Follow the cleaning instructions listed below, especially when moving to a new fishing area:
-use high pressure, hot (40 degrees C or 104 degrees F) water
-if hot water is not available, salt water is the next best alternative
-if equipment cannot be exposed to hot water dip in 100% vinegar for 20 min. or 1% table salt solution (2/3 C of salt for 5 gallons of water) for 24 hours
-if possible, allow for 5 days of drying time before using in another body of water.
Invasive bait and fish that cause problems include the Red Swamp Crayfish, the common carp and the Asian Clam.
Water Gardeners
You can protect our environment by containing ornamental aquatic plants and animals in backyard ponds and water gardens. Never dispose of unwanted plants or animals from your pond into local water sources. Use native plants and animals, especially in areas prone to flooding. Seal aquatic plants in plastic bags, freeze for 24 hours and dispose in trash. Return unwanted fish to the pet store or give or trade with another person. Familiarize yourself with problem species and do not purchase these species. Check plants that you purchase for unwanted “hitchhikers.” Donate unwanted plants and animals to a local nature center, aquarium, school or aquatic business, and contact your vet for guidance about humane disposal of animals.
Some water gardening related invasives include the water hyacinth which forms dense, free-floating mats of vegetation that can restrict light penetration, deplete oxygen and reduce water flow; Koi, Alligatorweed and Purple Loosestrife.
Boaters
People moving boats and trailers between waterways can carry non-native “hitchhikers.” in bait wells and bilge water and on the boat hull or trailer. For example Hydrilla, a rooted submersed perennial herb, can tolerate salinity up to 9-10 ppt and can grow up to 8 feet in one day!! Boaters can spread this species by carrying detached buds and fragments of the roots and stems. Large dense mats are formed, which can raise water pH, decrease oxygen levels, impact the numbers and size of sport fish and impede navigation.
What can you do? Avoid chopping vegetation with outboard motor propellers, and remove any visible plants, mud or animals from all parts of the boat, trailer and equipment and dispose of them in a garbage can. Eliminate all water from motors, live wells, and bilges before you leave the area you are visiting. Flush raw water through the motor’s cooling system and clean sea strainers. When moving your boat to a new body of water, clean with high pressure, hot water and if possible, allow for 5 days drying time before using in another body of water.
Other boating invasives includes the Titan Acorn Barnacle, Green Mussels and the Zebra Mussel.
IF YOU SPOT AN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES OR NOTICE UNUSUAL SIGHTINGS, CONTACT THE GEORGIA COASTAL RESOURCES DIVISION AT www.marex.uga.edu/shellfish.
Source: National Invasive Species Council
