Take Action to Stop Aquatic Invasive Species!
It’s everyone’s job to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives species to Wisconsin lakes. Whether you are a boater, angler, paddler, seaplane pilot, water gardener/pond owner, nursery owner, aquarium enthusiast, or even a teacher, you have a very important role to play in keeping Wisconsin’s lakes free of aquatic invasive species. The main way aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil spread to new waters is often by hitching a ride on the boats and trailers of the very people who enjoy the water the most. Similarly, other aquatic invasive plants and animals are introduced into lakes and streams through accidental and sometimes intentional releases.
Take these steps to ensure that your actions are not part of the problem, but the solution!
Boaters, Paddlers, and Anglers
- INSPECT your boat, trailer, and equipment and
- REMOVE any attached aquatic plants or animals (before launching, after loading, and before transporting on a public highway)
- DRAIN all water from boats, motors and all equipment
- DON’T MOVE live fish away from a waterbody.
- DISPOSE of unwanted bait in the trash.
- BUY minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer. Use leftover minnows only under certain conditions*
*You may take leftover minnows away from any state water and use them again on that same water. You may use leftover minnows on other waters only if no lake or river water or other fish were added to their container.
Seaplane Pilots
- INSPECT your seaplane and equipment
- REMOVE any attached aquatic plants or animals (before landing or taking off)
- DRAIN all water from seaplane or equipment.
Water gardeners or pond owners
- Never transplant water garden plants into lakes, streams, wetlands or stormwater ponds.
- Never release crayfish, fish or other animals into lakes or streams.
- Do not purchase prohibited and restricted species. LINK TO NR 40 list and whenever possible purchase native plants and animals.
- Check your plant orders for unwanted and potentially invasive hitchhikers (seeds, plant fragments, snails, insects, or fish).
- Be aware of the regulations regarding possession, transport and sale of invasive plants and animals.
- Properly dispose of unwanted plants and animals.
Nursery owners
- Do not purchase or sell invasive plants or animals that are restricted or prohibited in Wisconsin. LINK
Aquarium Enthusiasts or Teachers
- Do not purchase invasive plants or animals that are restricted or prohibited in Wisconsin.
- Never transplant aquarium plants into lakes, streams, wetlands or stormwater ponds.
- Never release live crayfish, fish or other animals into lakes and streams.
- Properly dispose of unwanted plants and animals.
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