Stewardship Tip Sep 21st, 2010- Invasive Plants
When we think of invasive species, we think of something dramatic like the snakehead. The name conjures up a sense of the exotic, it almost sounds evil. The snakehead’s appearance, with its depraved, almost angry, grin, reinforces that thought. Invasive species, like the snakehead, can move in and destroy all living beings in their wake leaving little for any native species.
Certainly, species such as tapegrass and burma reed don’t invoke any sense of evil nor do they fit our preconceptions of an invasive species. They are plants for goodness sake. But, they are invasive. Tapegrass, native to Florida, is invading Australia’s rivers. Burma reed is now growing wildly in Florida; it is proving tough to manage.
Why it is important to the fish: Invasive plants can often outgrow, replace, and destroy native plants. When invasive plants are introduced into a new area, the diseases, insects, and other environmental stresses that kept them in check in their native ranges are not present. Animals that evolved to use native plants may not be able to use of invasive plants; they may leave the area or die. In the aquatic environment, invasive plants can completely fill the water column, they may drive fish from the area. Invasive plants can also choke off areas which can limit boating, swimming, and fishing.
Here are several tips that we can follow to help check the spread of invasive plants.
Remove seeds and plant matter from boots, waders, and gear. Do this for your wading boots and your hiking boots. You can pick up seeds in the woods as well as in the water.
If you plan to fish overseas, rent waders in your host country.
Verify that any plant you buy is not invasive. Check with your local County Extension Office and verify beforehand. Also, check with your County Agent for recommendations on where to buy plants.
Clean your boat thoroughly before transporting it to another body of water.
Don’t move firewood, it can harbor seeds.
Don’t release aquarium fish and plants, or other exotic animals into the wild.
May of those tips will sound familiar. Indeed, they will help check the spread of aquatic nuisance species as well as helping to contain the spread of invasive plants. Keeping invasive plants out of our streams and lakes help to protect biodiversity and ultimately will help to protect our fish.
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