Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Guidelines (PDF)

Alaska has many natural and human vectors that could introduce AIS, including: boats, floatplanes, tourism, marine shipping and transport, wind, ocean currents, and warming climate. As such, even field work in the most remote, pristine part of Alaska could have AIS that has been introduced through anthropomorphic or natural vectors. This handbook will assist field staff to prevent the introduction and minimize the spread of AIS during our field operations and those that we fund. Fieldwork and activities provide an important way for people to be on the lookout for invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species
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This three-part document is comprised of the following:



I. Before you Go – This section has four general best management practices that all field staff could accomplish without difficulty and would help to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS.



II. Field Operations – This section describes the basic Clean, Drain (or Rinse), and Dry protocols for decontaminating gear before moving between fields sites.



III. Field Activity Specific Best Management Protocol Fact Sheets – This section provides activity specific best management protocols for prevention and decontamination efforts. The fact sheets are a reference tool for field crews to print the relative sheet(s) and bring to the field or have in their vehicles.

Author(s)
Type of document
Protocol
Fact Sheet
Facility
Our regional headquarters is primarily comprised of administrative offices, law enforcement, and the offices of our regional leadership. At this location, you can find staff from our Alaska Migratory Birds Office, Alaska Marine Mammals Office, Conservation Genetics Lab, Ecological Services (...
Program
A large, wet, furry brown rodent standing on grassy land next to a body of water
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and other living organisms that thrive in areas where they don’t naturally live and cause (or are likely to cause) economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal or plant health. Invasive species degrade, change or displace native habitats,...
Juvenile Northern Pike in aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery, South Dakota
The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program leads aquatic conservation efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are committed to tackling the nation’s highest priority aquatic conservation and recreational challenges to conserve, restore, and enhance fisheries for future generations.
Aquatic invasive species cause tremendous harm to our environment, our economy, and our health. They can drive out and eat native plants and wildlife, spread diseases, and damage infrastructure. We work to protect our waterways and the communities that depend on them from the threat of invasive...
A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
Species
Subject tags
Invasive species
Aquatic animals
Aquatic plants
Aquatic environment
Aquatic connectivity
Habitat conservation
Connecting people with nature
Recreation
Boats
Water sports
Plants
FWS and DOI Region(s)