WASHINGTON DC (10 Apr 2002) -- NOAA and the US Fish and Wildlife Service have announced a campaign called "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers" aimed at stopping the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Cathleen Short, Assistant Director for Fisheries and Habitat Conservation told CDNN the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, co-chaired by NOAA and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, has developed the campaign with a consortium of partners including the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Animal, Plant and Health Inspection Service and the Department of State. Invasive aquatic species spread worldwide often in the bilge water of large international cargo ships. After ships discharge bilge water, nuisance species enter new ecosystems where marine recreational users, including divers, unknowingly spread destructive zebra mussels, round goby, sea lamprey and Caulerpa taxifolia (go to http://www.cdnn.info/article/caulerpa_taxifolia/ caulerpa_taxifolia.html) that destroy native species. "Most of these aquatic invasive species tag along with people who are some of our best conservation partners," said US Fish and Wildlife Service Director Steve Williams. "They are the people who are out there for recreation -- fishing, boating, diving, hunting and a lot more. Their conscientious efforts have already helped in this fight, and that's why it's important we lend a hand." The "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!" is a US national campaign that features long-term educational and outreach programs aimed at elevating awareness about the spread of aquatic nuisance species throughout the United States. | | In addition to advice, help and voluntary guidelines for aquatic recreation users, the campaign promotes some simple steps that recreational users should take every time they leave the water: 1. Remove visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment. 2. Eliminate water from equipment before moving it. 3. Clean and dry everything that was in contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, clothing -- and even pets.) 4. Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they were found there. The Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force has also launched a web site for marine recreational users interested in helping to stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species. The site provides the following educational tools: 1. Recommended procedures to follow when leaving the water 2. Suggestions about how individuals and clubs can get involved to help stop invasions 3. Information on the impact of nuisance species 4. Detailed information on some of the more troublesome hitchhikers © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORKSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
