Aquatic Nuisance Species
STOPPING THE SPREAD OF INVASIVES
Non-native invasive species threaten the ecology of natural systems as well as our economy. The costs of invasives to the U.S. economy in 2000 were estimated at 137 billion dollars annually.
These threats to Oklahoma’s natural systems are both real and immediate. Zebra mussels currently inhabit several systems in northeast Oklahoma and new infestations are being found annually. Zebra mussels have the potential to reduce the productivity of infested systems, cause economic loss by clogging pipelines, locks and dams, marinas, and outboard motors, and impact recreational opportunities by fouling beaches (swimmers now have to wear tennis shoes at Oologah or risk being cut by mussel shells).
single zebra mussel and zebra mussel encrusted rock from Oologah Reservoir
Fish kills caused by golden alga have occurred in the Red River and in Lake Texoma. Although these kills not been extensive to date, golden alga related fish kills in Texas have completly decimated fisheries in several reservoirs.
Bighead carp have been found in the Neosho River, Red River, and Grand Lake. Although reproduction has not been verified in Oklahoma, this species has caused major economic and recreational losses in the upper Mississippi River system. Invasive plants often are moved from one system to another by boaters failing to remove plants from trailers. Eurasian watermilfoil and, more recently, hydrilla have been spread by recreational boaters.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) has recently initiated drafting a statewide plan to address this growing threat. This plan must rely on a coordinated effort of state agencies, municipalities, commercial resource users, and the private sector to be effective. The plan will be endorsed by the legislature, signed by the governor, and funded, in part, by a federal task force. As part of this plan, the Fisheries Division of ODWC has instituted a set of guidelines to ensure that its activities do not contribute to the spread of invasive aquatic species.