With the start of the 2005 boating and fishing season approaching, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking boaters and anglers to keep up the good work in minimizing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

By taking a few simple steps, like removing all aquatic plants from their boatsand trailers, emptying water from live wells and bait containers and other areas containing water, boaters can do their part to help stop aquatic hitchhikers such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels in the state’s water bodies. Boaters should also remember to dispose of unwanted live bait including worms and minnows in the trash rather than dumping them in the lakes and woods.

“Thanks to boaters and invasive species awareness efforts, the DNR believes the distribution of aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels is much less than it could be,” said Jay Rendall, DNR invasive species program coordinator. “The potential to spread aquatic invasive species and several fish diseases increases each year and we need Minnesotans to continue with their high level of action.”

The DNR is using a combination of radio and television ads, signs at public accesses, watercraft inspections, and public service announcements throughout the state to get the message out.

“Precautions should now be part of the routine for boaters,” Rendall said. “These simple precautions help boaters comply with the state laws that prohibit the transport of aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species.”

Last year, DNR biologists found eight additional waters infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, bringing the total number of infested water bodies in the state to 160.

Zebra mussels are abundant in the Mississippi River downstream of Minneapolis and in the Duluth harbor. Inland waters known to be infested with zebra mussels include Lake Zumbro, an inland lake north of Rochester, and Lake Ossawinnamakee, near Brainerd.

Spiny waterflea are tiny zooplankton that may attach to fishing lines, down riggers, and other boating equipment. Waters where they are found include Saganaga Lake in northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Lake Superior, and Island Lake and Fish Lake, which are both about 20 miles northwest of Duluth and popular destinations for anglers who also fish Lake Superior.

More information about aquatic invasive species and the complete list of infested waters can be found in the 2005 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet.

The Minnesota Legislature directed the DNR to establish the Invasive Species Program in 1991 to address problems caused by aquatic invasive species. The program is responsible for preventing introductions, curbing their spread, and management of invasive species of aquatic plants and wild animals.