DES MOINES -- Iowa is under attack from aquatic invasive species, non-native plants and animals that can reduce native game fish populations, take over lakes, jeopardize aquatic ecosystems, foul beaches and damage boats.

And in some cases, like with the silver carp, they are creating health hazards to boaters and other water recreationalists. Silver carp, also known as flying carp, can weigh up to 60 pounds and can jump several feet out of the water. They have been known to jump into boats, even striking vessel operators.

"Imagine what it's like to drive your boat wide open to get to your favorite river fishing spot and suddenly get smacked by a flying bag of cement," explained Kim Bogenschutz, aquatic nuisance species program coordinator for the DNR. "That's the reality with silver carp."

Silver carp are moving up the Mississippi River from Arkansas and are already in some Iowa tributaries like the Des Moines River. Missouri and Illinois already have full-blown invasions. Besides being a recreational hazard, they also threaten Iowa fisheries by competing with native species for food and space.

But the silver carp is only one of many aquatic invasive species. Bighead carp, zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, purple loosestrife, and other nonnative aquatic species have already established populations in Iowa. Bighead carp are related to silver carp, and even though they do not jump as readily, they grow to larger sizes. Zebra mussels out-compete native clams, clog pipes and foul beaches. Eurasian watermilfoil is a rapidly spreading plant that chokes out native vegetation and hinders boaters. Purple loosestrife was a popular garden plant that escaped cultivation and has taken over wetlands across the United States.

Aquatic invasive species were originally introduced by humans, either intentionally or accidentally, and often spread by "hitchhiking" on boats and trailers, live wells, bait buckets, cargo ships and trucks. They even come through the mail or from a local pet store. Once aquatic invasive species infest a water body, they can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat and may be impossible to eradicate.

"I have heard invasive species control compared to cancer, both in terms of prognosis and treatment," said Bogenschutz. "If you find it early, you can usually remove the small growth. If it spreads further, you usually end up using chemicals." The best control for aquatic invasive species is preventing their introduction into new waters.

Realizing the importance of preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, the Iowa legislature passed the Aquatic Invasive Species Law in 2004, making it illegal to possess, introduce, purchase, sell or transport aquatic invasive species in Iowa. It is also illegal to introduce any live fish, except for hooked bait, into public waters. Gov. Thomas Vilsack has also declared June Invasive Species Awareness Month to further draw attention to the issue. Invasive species management workshops have been planned, including one June 24 at Kent Park near Oxford in Johnson County.

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page