Campaign Launched to Stem Spread of Nuisance Auatic Species

Campaign Launched to Stem Spread of Nuisance Auatic Species

Agency fears Lewis and Clark boaters could unknowingly

contribute to problem

This year the nation celebrates the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, with many people - especially boaters - heading west to recreate parts of the explorers historic journey. But as boaters visit the West for this special celebration, they should be extra vigilant about cleaning their boats and trailers, where harmful zebra mussels and other invasive aquatic species can attach and live for days out of water.

Zebra mussels are an exotic nuisance species native to the Caspian region of western Russia. They were most likely introduced to the United States in the late 1980s in the ballast water of a foreign vessel. Since then, they have wreaked havoc by damaging water intake equipment for cities, smothering native shellfish and more. Other invasive aquatic species, such as sea lamprey, inflict serious damage on fish and other native aquatic life.

An estimated 6,300 plants and animals have been introduced to the United States. And while most of these non-native species are harmless, a small percentage leaves over a $100 million trail of damage every year.

Through cooperative activities of its Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force, the Service works with other federal agencies, state, tribes and private landowners to prevent and control aquatic nuisance species.

To help stem the western invasion of zebra mussels and other nuisance aquatic species during the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is distributing two public service announcements (PSA) aimed at educating boaters and other travelers on ways to prevent spreading these unwanted species. These PSAs can be accessed for download at:

Produced through the ANS Task Force's 100th Meridian Initiative (http://100thmeridian.org/) in partnership with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, these PSAs can help boaters understand the importance of preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species. The well-known spokesmen Richard Kind and Patrick Warburton, television actors whose Clark and Lewis characters have been a part of Alaska/Horizon Airlines advertisements for a number of years, share tips on how to clean your boat and gear before leaving your favorite body of water. Both PSA's are approximately 1 minute in length.

The campaign against invasive aquatic species will only be successful if people make a personal commitment. Here are some ways to help: