What is a nuisance fish species?
The fish or aquatic nuisance species is a non-native species that is introduced and threatens a native species. The introduced fish can breed with the native fish producing a hybrid. The nuisance fish can also negetively impact the habitat by eating the food of the native fish or consuming all their young. They are also in direct competition with space for breeding.
The aquatic nuisance species can mean fish, mulluscs, animals or plants relating to waters. These include Golden Shiners, Zebra Mussels and Giant Salvinia.
How is it caused?
This is caused by several factors. The first is that someone fishing with live bait lets the bait go after fishing. They then grow and reproduce, displacing native fish. Another way is by illegally stocking fish into one body of water from another. Yet another is when boating in one body of water and failing to clean the bottom, a recreational boater or fisherman can unknowingly carry one species from one body of water to another.
What harm do they do?
Non-native species can choke out the environment of native species and wipe them out. Zebra mussels can clog up pipes when left unchecked, and reak havoc on power plants. Invasive species can also transmit diseases such as cholera.
What can be done to prevent the spread of nuisance fish?
There are a few easy things that all fishermen and outdoors men and women can do:
- Proper care of live bait - don't release it into the lake or waters you are fishing in. Dispose of it properly.
- Don't move fish - don't transport your big aquarium or pond fish into lakes or streams. Find a group, person or shop to donate them to if you have aquarium fish that are too big for your tank.
- Clean anything coming into contact with water - this includes boats and equipment being thoroughly cleaned. Larvae of species can be very small and hidden.
- Inform others - many people do not know what damage can be done to native fish in there areas, and may think it is perfectly fine to let any live bait go (after all it is still alive).
