Aquatic Nuisance Species Thank you for being concerned about Alabama's fisheries resources.
Only you can help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.
- Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.
- Eliminate water from equipment before transporting.
- Clean and dry anything that came in contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.).
- It is illegal to release bait or stock fish or other aquatic organisms in Alabama without a specific permit.
Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water. Use aquatic baits already present in the waters. (Click here for more specifics). Possession or distribution of some plants is illegal. New Hampshire offers some good advice about what to do with your aquatic organism.
From zebra mussels to largemouth bass virus to giant salvinia, anglers and boaters need to do what they can to prevent the spread of nuisance aquatic species.
Read Outdoor Alabama magazine articles on aquatic nuisance species:
Giant Salvinia: A New Aquatic Menace
Problematic Aquatics
Asian Carp
Giant Salvinia
Largemouth Bass Virus
Snakehead
Other Web sites that address aquatic nuisance species include:
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers because:
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Introduced aquatic species may reduce game fish populations.
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Introduced aquatic species may eliminate native species. About 400 of the 958 species listed as endangered or threatened by the federal government have declined because of competetion or predation from introduced species.
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Introduced aquatic species may ruin boat engines and jam steering equipment.
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Introduced aquatic species may make lakes and rivers unusable by boaters and swimmers.
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Introduced aquatic species may increase the cost of drinking water, power production, and industrial processes.
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Introduced aquatic species may degrade ecosystems.
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Introduced aquatic species may affect human health.
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Introduced aquatic species may reduce property values.
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Introduced aquatic species may affect local economies.
See Bass Times Article
See New Hampshire Brochure
Exotic Animals Established in Alabama |
