Our Outdoors: ANS Awareness

The approach of openwater fishing seasons raises concern of boat traffic from water to water and unwanted hitchhikers that might accompany the vehicles, trailers and craft that enter and exit from launches around the region. Of particular concern are Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) that are not native to the area and can cause significant disruptions and damage to local waters and their food webs.

Fish Concerns
There are a number of plants and animals that state and federal agencies are asking anglers to be aware of this season. These invaders, both large and small, wreck havoc on lakes and rivers in North Dakota and Minnesota where they displace native plants, alter predator-prey relationships and drastically change water quality, which in turn impacts the quality of fishing and other recreational use of the water bodies.

There are many species of fish on the list of nuisance species, and of note are smaller specimens such as the rudd, ruffe and noted Great Lakes food-web changer, the goby. The goby, in particular, has become so prevalent in the Great Lakes and their border waters, that it is the primary forage for many smallmouth and brown trout in the lakes. The rapid multiplication of the goby altered angling conditions, and in turn a tackle market dedicated to imitating this alien fish. Like the ruffe, the goby was brought to North America most likely in the ballast waters of trans-Atlantic ships.

Large fish, like carp, also top the list of ANS concerns. One invading species – the silver carp – has been highlighted for its jumping ability on YouTube and other internet video sites. The Asian native has made its way into North and South Dakota and is prevalent in rivers in the southern U.S. Common carp, though already found in many waters of the region are a well-established bad boy on the ANS list. Efforts are underway to prevent the establishment of all carp species to the waters of Devils Lake, ND and a small stretch of land is all that separates the species from introduction.

To prevent the spread of these fish species, and others to area waters, anglers are encouraged to bury their baitfish instead of releasing them into water bodies and purchase minnows from licensed dealers. State laws prohibit the transfer of baitfish across state lines without the proper permit to hinder advancement of these species.

Strong Roots
Mollusks and plants are also creatures of concern and are Aquatic Nuisance Species that receive a great deal of press. The zebra mussel was introduced to American waters by hitching a ride in ocean liners’ ballast, and has forever altered the ecosystem of many waters. The mussels adhere to rocks, forming large colonies and filter water at an amazing rate, causing fish such as walleye and smallmouth bass to alter their living areas to adjust to clearer conditions. Anglers should be aware of these aliens and the New Zealand mudsnail.
Plant problems start with Eurasian water-milfoil and curly-leaf pondweed. These plants, with their roots in Europe, Asia and Africa, came to America in contaminated ship water. They have entered a select few waters in North Dakota and a number in Minnesota. Out-competing native plants, milfoil and pondweed choke the shorelines of infested waters, altering ecosystems.

Prevention is the key to stopping the spread of these ANS examples and others. Carefully inspect your boat trailer and hitch for any vegetation. The average angler can’t tell milfoil from pondweed from native coontail, so the best action to take is remove ALL fragments of aquatic plants from the motor, boat, trailer, wheels, hitch and parts of the towing vehicle that may have been submerged in ANY water. Drain the livewell, hull and bilge waters of the boat. Check for water, mud or debris that might carry mussels, small fish or plant fragments and remove it from the boat or trailer. Upon arrival back home, make a 5-to-1 water and bleach mixture and wash the motor and hull and rinse clean.

For more on identifying aquatic nuisance species, what waters are of special concern and more tips to prevent the spread of ANS, log on to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at www.gf.nd.gov or the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website at dnr.state.mn.us. Keep an eye out for these species this season and prevent the further spread of some known troublemakers…in our outdoors. 

Editor's Note:  Nick Simonson, is an avid fisherman, hunter and writer from Valley City, ND. As many of you know he has been an outdoor journalist for years, writing his column "Our Outdoors" for his hometown newspaper, the Valley City Times-Record and offering the same writing to viewers of the Total Outdoor Network as a Field Staffer for Fishing Buddy Outdoors.