Matters of Opinion

In the early 1990s, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department began a communications effort focusing on the dangers of aquatic nuisance species and the fallout of unwanted exotics once established.

This communications effort, which has been repeatedly bolstered over the years, continues and seems even more relevant today with the arrival of zebra mussels in some North Dakota waters.

Adult zebra mussels were first discovered in North Dakota in the Red River in 2015. In the last handful of years, these exotics, which cause major infrastructure problems and a variety of unwanted influences in natural underwater environments, have been discovered elsewhere in the state, Lake Ashtabula and Lake LaMoure included.

Public awareness about aquatic nuisance species, including zebra mussels, and the actions that help prevent their spread, is a priority of the Game and Fish Department.

All people who recreate on North Dakota waters, from anglers, waterfowl hunters, to pleasure boaters, play such a huge role in preventing the spread of ANS. And the way that they do this is by being informed.

Understanding this, Game and Fish is eager to acknowledge May 16-22 as National Aquatic Nuisance Species Awareness Week.

In all fairness, we are fortunate to have low numbers of aquatic nuisance species in the state. Other than zebra mussels, North Dakota has just a few aquatic invasive plants and animals including curly leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, bighead, silver and common carp. Curly leaf pondweed can be found throughout the Missouri River System, Lake Metigoshe, the Sheyenne River in Barnes County, and a few small reservoirs. In the last five or six years, Eurasian watermilfoil has only been documented in the Sheyenne River in Barnes County. Bighead and silver carp are only found in the James River, while common carp are widespread and are found in many waters across the state.

Down the road, we would be excited to again report that North Dakota remains fortunate in its low numbers of aquatic nuisance species.

To do so, we encourage all water users to clean, drain and dry all equipment after every use. Clean and remove all plants or animals from watercraft or equipment prior to leaving any recreational area. Drain and remove water from all equipment prior to exiting designated access points. Not draining water can be extremely hazardous and may cause negligent transportation of ANS to various locations. Afterwards, verify that all equipment is completely dry before using again.

Our natural resources are cherished by many and we all need to do our part to protect them. Don’t take my word for it. Go explore and experience North Dakota’s great outdoors.