 | |  |
Nonindigenous species, also commonly referred to as nuisance, non-native, exotic, invasive and alien species, are
species that did not originate in the Great Lakes ecosystem and have been introduced either intentionally or
accidentally. Over 160 species have been introduced into the Great Lakes basin since the 1800s.
Invasive Species are Bad News for Boaters
Michigan has nearly 39,000 square miles of Great Lakes waters and more than 11,000 inland lakes larger than
five acres. So it’s natural that boating is one of the most popular recreational activities in the state, with nearly one
million watercraft registered. Unfortunately, invasive non-native plants, fishes and other organisms disrupt these
precious ecosystems. They also interfere with the enjoyment associated with boating and damage recreational
watercraft.
species that did not originate in the Great Lakes ecosystem and have been introduced either intentionally or
accidentally. Over 160 species have been introduced into the Great Lakes basin since the 1800s.
Invasive Species are Bad News for Boaters
Michigan has nearly 39,000 square miles of Great Lakes waters and more than 11,000 inland lakes larger than
five acres. So it’s natural that boating is one of the most popular recreational activities in the state, with nearly one
million watercraft registered. Unfortunately, invasive non-native plants, fishes and other organisms disrupt these
precious ecosystems. They also interfere with the enjoyment associated with boating and damage recreational
watercraft.
| Identified Lake Orion Invasive Species. |
Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)
Zebra mussels are a barnacle-like mollusk (mussel) native to the Caspian
Sea region of Asia. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair in 1988 and
have spread to all five Great Lakes. Zebra mussels attach themselves to
hard objects such as submerged rocks, dock pilings, boat hulls, and native
clams and mussels (killing them). They clog water intake pipes at power
plants and water treatment facilities .and cost millions to control each year.
Zebra mussels multiply rapidly and filter large quantities of plankton from
the water and contribute to toxic algal blooms (microcystis), aquatic plant
growth and food web disruptions. Zebra mussels have contributed to
declines in Great Lakes fish, such as yellow perch.
Zebra mussels are a barnacle-like mollusk (mussel) native to the Caspian
Sea region of Asia. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair in 1988 and
have spread to all five Great Lakes. Zebra mussels attach themselves to
hard objects such as submerged rocks, dock pilings, boat hulls, and native
clams and mussels (killing them). They clog water intake pipes at power
plants and water treatment facilities .and cost millions to control each year.
Zebra mussels multiply rapidly and filter large quantities of plankton from
the water and contribute to toxic algal blooms (microcystis), aquatic plant
growth and food web disruptions. Zebra mussels have contributed to
declines in Great Lakes fish, such as yellow perch.
Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
Although aquatic plants are a natural component of every aquatic ecosystem,
excessive plant growth can sometimes be a nuisance for riparian property
owners and other lake users. A few species of aquatic plants, such as
Eurasian watermilfoil, are not native to the Great Lakes region and can
significantly alter the aquatic ecosystem if left unchecked. Permits are
required to chemically control nuisance aquatic plants, algae, and swimmer’s
itch.
Although aquatic plants are a natural component of every aquatic ecosystem,
excessive plant growth can sometimes be a nuisance for riparian property
owners and other lake users. A few species of aquatic plants, such as
Eurasian watermilfoil, are not native to the Great Lakes region and can
significantly alter the aquatic ecosystem if left unchecked. Permits are
required to chemically control nuisance aquatic plants, algae, and swimmer’s
itch.
| Other Potential Michigan Invasive Species of concern for Lake Orion |
Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
Round gobies are a bottom-dwelling fish that can reach 10 inches in length.
They have been known to steal bait from fishing lines and are unintentionally
caught by anglers. Round gobies were first discovered in the St. Clair River
in 1990 and have spread rapidly in the Great Lakes and some inland lakes.
Once established, gobies can displace native fish, eat their eggs and young,
take over optimal habitat, spawn multiple times per season and survive in
poor quality water
Round gobies are a bottom-dwelling fish that can reach 10 inches in length.
They have been known to steal bait from fishing lines and are unintentionally
caught by anglers. Round gobies were first discovered in the St. Clair River
in 1990 and have spread rapidly in the Great Lakes and some inland lakes.
Once established, gobies can displace native fish, eat their eggs and young,
take over optimal habitat, spawn multiple times per season and survive in
poor quality water
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)
Hydrilla is a submerged aquatic plant that has invaded waterways in at
least 19 U.S. states. If hydrilla spreads to Michigan, it could quickly
overwhelm waterways, causing severe ecological and economic impacts.
Hydrilla can grow up to an inch per day. It forms large, dense mats near the
surface of the water that block recreational access, impede drainage and
restrict water movement, causing sediment to accumulate. Thick mats of
hydrilla block sunlight and can suffocate native plants and animals that live
in the waters below.
Hydrilla is a submerged aquatic plant that has invaded waterways in at
least 19 U.S. states. If hydrilla spreads to Michigan, it could quickly
overwhelm waterways, causing severe ecological and economic impacts.
Hydrilla can grow up to an inch per day. It forms large, dense mats near the
surface of the water that block recreational access, impede drainage and
restrict water movement, causing sediment to accumulate. Thick mats of
hydrilla block sunlight and can suffocate native plants and animals that live
in the waters below.
Snakehead Fish (Channa argus)
The Northern Snakehead is native to the waters of China, and possibly
Korea and Russia. They are found in a wide variety of habitats and can
breathe out of water from 3 to 7 days. Even though it is slow and typically
unsuccessful, the Snakehead has the ability to move from one body of
water to another by using its pectoral fins. They have sharp teeth like a
pickerel or a pike and their maximum length can reach up to 33
inches. Coloration is generally tan with dark brown mottling. Snakehead
have no natural predators in the U.S. and they are voracious carnivores. If
you catch this fish, do not put it back in the water and call the nearest DNR
Operations Service Center.
The Northern Snakehead is native to the waters of China, and possibly
Korea and Russia. They are found in a wide variety of habitats and can
breathe out of water from 3 to 7 days. Even though it is slow and typically
unsuccessful, the Snakehead has the ability to move from one body of
water to another by using its pectoral fins. They have sharp teeth like a
pickerel or a pike and their maximum length can reach up to 33
inches. Coloration is generally tan with dark brown mottling. Snakehead
have no natural predators in the U.S. and they are voracious carnivores. If
you catch this fish, do not put it back in the water and call the nearest DNR
Operations Service Center.
| Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species |
