Presented by Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership Welcome to CRISP’s first ever Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Blitz training day!

Presentation Outline  Invasive Species of Concern  What Can Anglers Do About It?  Tips for Interacting with Anglers on Blitz Day

What is an Invasive Species?  Invasive species are organisms who are not native to the ecosystem and likely to cause harm economically, environmentally, and/or to human health.  Invasive species have the potential to harm wildlife and ecosystems, and disrupt natural processes.

Stream Invaders!  Plants  Didymo  Japanese knotweed  Animals  Rusty crayfish  Spiny waterflea  Oriental weatherfish (Schoharie)  Microbes

Didymosphenia geminata Didymo (Rock Snot)

How Do You Know It’s Didymo?  Didymo is brown or tan (not green).  It looks slimy, but feels like wet wool.  It attaches itself very securely to rocks.  It will not fall apart when you rub it between your fingers.

Since didymo is already firmly established here, the focus should be on preventing the spread to uninfected waters, like the Adirondacks. Didymo is many of our waterways already

No one nose better than me snot to make fun of invasive species… "No one nose better than me to snot make fun of invasive species but instead to cough up the location by reporting phlegm to the proper authorities so that they can hack them out of the system and blow away their chances to flu the coop and spread" - Anonymucus

Rusty Crayfish  They are established in the Hudson River.  They displace native crayfish, reduce the amount and diversity of aquatic plants and invertebrates, and reduce some fish populations.

Rusty Crayfish  They can vary in color  Two darker spots appear on either side of the lower carapace.  They’re 3-5 inches long (nose to tail).  The claws are larger and smoother than most other crayfish, they lack the wart-like bumps and have black tips.

Rusty Crayfish Color Variations

Japanese Knotweed  Japanese knotweed can cause many problems for streams.  It grows very quickly, up to 3cm a day (a little over 1 inch), and is very hardy.

Japanese knotweed invading a stream bank

Japanese knotweed can grow almost anywhere!

Japanese Knotweed in the Spring

Japanese Knotweed in the Summer

Whirling Disease  Whirling disease is a condition that is often fatal to trout, salmon, and whitefish.  It’s native to Eurasia.

Whirling Disease in a Brook Trout Whirling disease has causes severe deformities to the skeletal and nervous system. It causes the tail to turn black.

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicima

Oriental weatherfish  It’s a type of loach popular in aquariums.  There are several breeding populations in the wild in New York.  Non-native, but not known if it’s invasive. It’s been spotted in the Schoharie!

Spiny Water Flea  It’s a tiny crustacean.  They eat other zooplankton that are food for many fish and other organisms.

Ask anglers to look out for globs of spiny water fleas on their fishing lines. Spiny Water Flea

Certified Bait  Using certified bait prevents the spread of many harmful aquatic diseases.  You must keep your receipt to prove you bought certified bait  Your bait is valid for 10 days.

Bait Regulations  You may not transport bait across state lines.  If you are going to use your own bait check the NYS DEC’s website for regulations.

Check, Clean, Dry  If you are going to visit more than one body of water, check, clean, and dry you gear!

Check  Before you leave, remove all obvious clumps of plants, algae, and mud.  If you find more later, don’t wash it down the drain without treating it!

Clean  Use:  Bleach  Salt  Cleaners like Fantastic™ or Parvasol™ with n-alkyl as an active ingredient  Hot water

*Should not be used on Gore-Tex® fabric or other sensitive clothing items. HOT WATER

BLEACH

Salt

Freezing

DISINFECTANTS

Dry  If none of the cleaning options work (like for a dog or other animal), let them dry completely for at least 48 before visiting another body of water.

Felt-soled wading shoes

What if I See an Invasive Species or Something Strange?  Contact CRISP.  (845)  On Facebook. Search: Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership 

Main Talking Points with Anglers  Invasive species effect anybody who enjoys outdoor recreation!  Once an invasive species enters the water body it’s extremely difficult, if not impossible to eradicate.  Anglers are an important and great resource for finding invasive species.

Talking to Anglers  Don’t approach anglers as they are fishing, wait for them to arrive or leave.  Ask them the questions from the data sheet.  Explain how invasive species will effect their fishing. There are good reasons for them to care!

Talking to Anglers  Tell them how to disinfect their gear with “Check, Clean, and Dry".  Give them a handout.  Direct them to CRISP if they see anything or have any questions.

Effective Communication  Remember this is fun!  Appear confident, smile and make eye contact.  Be friendly.  If the person you're speaking to is very busy and/or obviously annoyed, move on.

Preparing for the Day…  Dress to be comfortable outside (bring rain gear just in case).  Bring a chair, water, and a snack.  Bring your cheat sheet from the training, materials to hand out, and your lawn sign. Thanks for talking, catch me later!

Any Questions?