Aquatic Nuisance Species a.k.a. Aquatic Exotics

What are exotic species?
Exotic species are plants and animals released either accidentally or intentionally into areas where they are not native. Such introductions usually occur through human activities. Aquatic exotics are species that thrive in bodies of water-in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers and wetlands. Removing a species from its native environment frees it from natural predators, parasites, pathogens and competitors that limit its numbers. Therefore, an exotic species is often capable of explosive population growth. Examples of exotic species in Lake George include Eurasian Watermilfoil and the Zebra Mussel. A recent and serious threat is the Alewife, an invasive species of fish, that has been found in Lake Champlain.

Be on the lookout for Alewife (bottom part of the above picture).

Checklist Against Aquatic Exotics: There are some important things you can do to help prevent the spread of aquatic exotic species in Lake George.

Do not transport water, animals or plants from another lake, river or any other body of water to Lake George
Drain your wells, bilge water and transom wells before leaving the access area. Don’t let this water wash into the lake!
Remove plants and animals from your boat, trailer and accessory equipment (anchors, centerboards, trailer hitch, wheels, rollers, cables, axles and fishing and scuba gear) before leaving the water access area
Empty your bait bucket on land, never into Lake George. Never dip your bait or minnow bucket with water from another body of water into Lake George.
Never dump live fish from another body of water into Lake George.
Wash your boat, tackle, downriggers and trailer with hot water when you get home. Flush water through your motor’s cooling system and other boat parts that normally get wet. If possible, let everything dry for three days (both hot water and drying will kill zebra mussel larvae).
Learn what these organisms look like. Don’t purchase exotic species as bait or for ornamental plantings.
Take suspicious specimens to the Darrin Fresh Water Institute in Bolton Landing for examination and identification.