With the opener Saturday, many avid anglers are digging out their tackle boxes and taking boats out of storage. Soon, the lakes will fill up on weekends with anglers looking for the next big lunker.
Searching for a fishing hotspot can be an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, but the searching must not stop on the water. It is imperative to be diligent on the shoreline to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Invasive species, as the name suggests, are non-native plants and animals introduced into an ecosystem. While many species will not adapt to a new ecosystem, those that do often have rapid and enduring negative effects on a local environment and economy.
Several non-native species of plants and animals have recently invaded Minnesota's waters. Eurasian milfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, zebra mussels and spiny water fleas have all been discovered in Hubbard County or within an afternoon's drive.
Eurasian milfoil starts growing during the fall. By early spring, milfoil reaches the surface of a lake and forms a canopy, crowding out the light other plants need to grow. Decreased plant species change the availability of invertebrates in a lake, affecting fish food supply and leading to an eventual decrease in predatory fish.
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Curly-leaf pondweed may already be here to stay. Like milfoil, the weed starts growing before spring thaw. A single plant can produce 900 offspring in a year. The thick mat-like growth can also crowd out native plant species.
Volunteers started battling curly-leaf pondweed in 11th Crow Wing Lake last weekend. Previously, the invasive has been reported in Portage and Upper Twin lakes in Hubbard County and Blueberry in Wadena County. The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA) and Department of Natural Resources are spearheading efforts to contain the spread.
In a tourism-driven economy, environment and businesses are frequently intertwined. The loss of suitable game fish makes a weekend at the lake less attractive. Hence, people are less likely to visit former attractions and spend money. In a state where anglers spend $1.8 billion each year on fishing-related expenses, this could be a huge problem.
In addition, water treatment options are expensive. The cost to chemically treat curly-leaf pondweed is $280-$300 per acre. These treatments do not eradicate the plants; they merely slow the spread.
Lakes associations can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to mitigate the damage invasive species cause. This year, the Legislature has allocated $739,000 to combat the spread of non-native species.
The most effective tool to stop the spread of alien species remains education and enforcement. COLA is currently devoting itself to an increased awareness campaign, but vigilance is the only sure way to prevent aquatic hitchhikers from sneaking into another watershed.
It only takes a few minutes to scan the hull of a boat and fishing gear, remove any hitchhikers from the boat or trailer and empty water reservoirs. Yet, without this minimal effort, invasive species will continue their march northward into lake country.
Careless boaters should note law enforcement is authorized to issue tickets of up to $1,000 for transporting non-native plants and animals. Unfortunately, fines will not revert a habitat back to its former state.
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So watersports enthusiasts not motivated by possible fines, might ponder this: think back to a favorite fishing memory. Remember the feeling of reeling in an amazing catch. When invasive species make their mark, they will forever change the populations of fish living in those lakes and streams. Next year's trophy may not be lurking beneath the depths if this year's food supply runs short.
