Open water means checking for aquatic nuisance species
Unfortunately, my old hometown of LaMoure stakes the claim to being home to the first documented bighead carp identified in the James River about five years ago and also a couple of the only zebra mussel infested lakes – Twin Lake and Lake LaMoure.
When I visit LaMoure I still drive past the old house, the school and enjoy stopping at the Big Cone. I also check the lakes, beaches, landings and docks for zebra mussels. Just to observe the changes serves as a reminder to stay vigilant with early spring allowing open water boating.
Ben Holen, aquatic nuisance species coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, explains that aquatic nuisance species are nonindigenous aquatic plants or animals that cause harm to native and desirable species or have a negative effect on aquatic habitats, the environment and the economy of the state.
Over the past year, Holen points out why it’s never been more important to stay informed and aware as zebra mussels were found on the lower end of Lake Oahe in South Dakota near the dam.
Which means It’s never been more important to clean, drain and dry before and after recreating on the Missouri River System.
Looking ahead, Holen explains the department will incorporate sampling to look for zebra mussels and invasive carp in 2024.
He notes: “Docks/ lifts must spend 21 days out of water before they can be relocated to another water and boats must drain ballast tanks completely after recreating.”
Facing some of the challenges of hiring, the Game and Fish should have an increased watercraft inspector presence this summer.
Holen asks for patience and understanding of angler and water users during monitoring efforts.
“If you encounter a watercraft inspector, please allow them to inspect your watercraft to protect our lakes. It only takes a few minutes,” he said.
One last note from Holen. “The ANS fight is not just that of Game and Fish as we are always looking for partners to help spread ANS awareness. If you're interested in helping spread ANS awareness, please reach out. Current partners include lake associations, marinas, bait vendors, pet stores, parks, water user associations and governmental entities,” he said.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Rules and Regulations
Clean – Remove all plants, animals and mud from all equipment.
Drain – Empty water from baitwells, bilges, motors and other equipment.
Dry – Dry equipment before using in a different water body. ANS Regulations 1. All aquatic vegetation must be removed from boats, personal watercraft, trailers, and fishing and hunting equipment such as fishing poles, bait buckets, lures, duck decoys, and waders before leaving a body of water. That means "vegetation free" when transporting watercraft and/or equipment away from a boat ramp, landing area or shoreline.
2. All docks, lifts and related equipment must be dried and left out of the water for at least
21 days before they may be placed in another water.
3. Live aquatic bait or aquatic vegetation may not be transported into North Dakota.
4. All water must be drained from boats and other watercraft, including bilges, livewells, baitwells and motors before leaving a water body.
5. All drain plugs that may hold back water must be removed, and water draining devices must be open, on all watercraft and recreational, commercial, and construction equipment bilges and confined spaces, during any out-of-water transport of same.
6. Anglers may not transport live bait in water away from any Class I ANS infested water (current list of class 1 waterbodies). All water must be drained from bait buckets as anglers leave the shore, or remove their boat from the water. Anglers must properly dispose of unused bait away from the water's edge, as dumping bait in the water or on shore is illegal. In all other waters not infested with Class I ANS species, anglers can transport live bait in water in containers of five (5) gallons or less in volume.