Nor is the introduction of non-indigenous species a problem isolated to the Great Lakes. An estimated 350 non-indigenous species of marine and estuarine plants and animals have been introduced to U.S. coastal waters. These invaders can be a serious threat to native biotic communities and important fish species.
Round gobies and Michigan Lakes
Another recent invader causing considerable concern is the a small bottom-dwelling fish with a large head resembling that of a tadpole. First discovered in Lake St. Clair in 1990, presumably introduced via ballast water from transoceanic vessels, the round goby and the tubenose goby have spread to Lakes Erie, Michigan and Superior and to many […]
The Eurasian Ruffe
The Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) warrants particular attention because of its great potential for adversely affecting the multibillion-dollar Great Lakes sport fishery. The ruffe is a small but aggressive fish native to Eurasia. It was introduced into Lake Superior’s Duluth/Superior harbor area in the mid-1980s in the ballast water of an trans-oceanic ship. Research between […]
Eurasian watermilfoil reproduces by fragmentation
Eurasian watermilfoil reproduces by fragmentation, thus it does not rely on seed for reproduction. This reproduction allows for the plant fragments to be dispersed and carried by water currents and wind or inadvertently picked up by boaters.
After treatment plants change color, sink, and decompose
After Treatment the plants turn tan or brown (sometimes even white or pink) sink to the bottom and slowly decompose. Since most aquatic weeds are 90-95% water, little residual is left. However some emergent weeds such as cattails, torpedo grass and woody brush such as primrose willow will take weeks or even months to decompose.
Nutrients are the main cause for excessive aquatic plant growth.
Only a small amount of nutrients added to a pond can cause a lot of problems with aquatic plant growth. Nutrients can be added to your pond in a number of ways, such as, leaves, grass clippings, wildlife waste, and runoff from lawns, cattle pastures, and farm fields all add a large amount of nutrients […]
The resident Canada goose population doubles every three years.
The resident Canada goose population doubles every three years. As a result, heavy concentrations of geese make playgrounds, athletic fields, corporate campuses, parks and recreational areas, golf courses and residential areas unusable. In addition, just one goose will produce feces 28 times a day.
Loons need clean, clear water so they can catch fish.
A few simple things you can do to help loons: Use only phosphate-free detergent and fertilizer. Keep pets from running wild along lake shores and harassing wildlife. Make sure garbage is out of reach of loon predators like skunks and raccoons. Enjoy loons from a distance, especially if they are nesting near your camp.
Hydrilla was originally introduced in the United States as an aquarium plant
Hydrilla was originally introduced in the United States as an aquarium plant. Hydrilla has spread throughout the US and abroad. It grows rapidly from fragments, tubers and turions, and can remain dormant for 7+ years. Hydrilla is unintentionally and easily spread from small weed fragments severed by boat motors. It is transported from lake to […]
Zebra mussels first appeared in Lake St. Clair
Zebra mussels first appeared in Lake St. Clair (yellow star, north of Lake Erie), possibly from ship’s ballast water from the Black Sea region. They rapidly spread downstream with the current, and upstream and to other watersheds on boats, with bait, and by other man-mediated mechanisms. Our herbicides and algaecides do not affect the Zebra […]