Invasive Species

Each boater and angler can play a part in stopping their spread.

Did you know that invasive quagga mussels cause millions of dollars in damage to boat motors, docks and water intake systems? Or that unwanted turtles, tortoises, and other pets illegally released into the wild can hurt our native species by introducing disease or outcompeting them for habitat and food?

The Arizona Game And Fish Department (AZGFD) has recently participated in National Invasive Species Awareness Week. The nationwide event aimed to educate the public about the harmful impact of invasive animals, plants and other organisms.

"Invasive species don't respect boundaries, which makes them a continent-wide problem that starts at home," said Sabra Tonn, Heritage Data Management System supervisor for the Arizona Game And Fish Department.

"The good news is that we can all play a part in helping stop their spread."

How You Can Help

AZGFD and the North American Invasive Species Management Association encourage people to help in the following ways:

1. Learn about invasive species, especially those found in this region. The Arizona Game And Fish Department website and the National Invasive Species Information Center are both resources.

2. If you're a boater or an angler, remember to clean, drain and dry your boat (and leave the plug out) before moving to another water. This helps stop the spread of quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species. It's not just a good practice, it's the law. http://www.azgfd.gov/AIS

3. Anglers should clean and dry their gear. Don't forget to clean your wading boots! Never transport live fish from one water body to another. StopAIS.org

4. Don't release pets back into the wild. Every year there are some pet owners who no longer wish to care for their exotic pets and illegally release them into the wild or dump their aquariums in water bodies, potentially harming local ecosystems. DontLetItLoose.com

5. Land recreationists should clean their hiking boots, off-road vehicles and other gear to stop invasive species from hitching a ride to a new location. Learn more at PlayCleanGo.org

6. Campers should not move firewood. Instead, buy it where you'll burn it, or gather on site when permitted. DontMoveFirewood.org

7. Slow the spread of invasive pests by taking extra care when traveling, gardening or moving recently killed plant material. Buy your plants from a reputable source, and avoid using invasive plant species. HungryPests.com

8. Buy forage, hay, mulch and soil that are certified as "weed free."

"Everyone can do something to help prevent invasive species from impacting our natural environments," said Tonn.

For More Information

For more information about National Invasive Species Awareness Week, visit https://www.nisaw.org/nisaw-2020/.