Public invited to
comment on aquatic nuisance management plan
For fisherman, invasive aquatic species such as nuisance
vegetation and wildlife can only mean one thing — trouble.
Non-native invasive species threaten the ecology of natural
systems as well as our economy. The costs of invasives to the U.S. economy
have been estimated at $137 billion annually. The Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation works diligently to curb the advance of aquatic
nuisance species in Oklahoma’s waters, and Oklahomans can help by voicing
their opinions regarding the Department’s Oklahoma Aquatic Nuisance Species
Management Plan, approved by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission
at its July meeting.
The plan relies on a coordinated effort of state agencies,
municipalities, commercial resource users, and the private sector to be
effective. Oklahomans can view the Oklahoma Aquatic Nuisance Species
Management Plan online through Aug. 15 at wildlifedepartment.com, as well as
email comments to the Wildlife Department regarding the plan.
“We’re taking public comment through Aug. 15 because it is
important to us to hear the concerns, interests and opinions of our
constituents,” said Ashley Foster, aquatic nuisance species biologist for
the Wildlife Department.
Major aquatic nuisance species of concern include zebra mussels,
golden algae, hydrilla, Asian carp, and viral hemmorhagic septicemia (VHS).
Zebra mussels currently inhabit several systems in northeast Oklahoma, and
new infestations are being found annually. Zebra mussels have the potential
to reduce the productivity of infested systems; cause economic loss by
clogging pipelines, locks and dams, marinas and outboard motors; and impact
recreational opportunities by fouling beaches.
Additionally, golden alga has caused fish kills in Lake Texoma
and Altus City Lake, while hydrilla is an invasive plant that has recently
been found in Arbuckle, Murray and Sooner Reservoirs. VHS, though not found
in Oklahoma, is a fish disease that has caused large fish kills on the Great
Lakes, has recently been found in the Ohio River Basin and has the potential
to show up in Oklahoma.
“The Oklahoma Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan will
offer a clear cut code of conduct to prevent the spread or eradicate
invasive species if they enter the state, and we encourage anyone interested
to review the plan and submit their comments,” Foster said.
The plan now goes before the governor for approval before being
sent to the National Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force for approval and
possible funding, which would be used to fight aquatic nuisance species
through public outreach and education.
To view the plan or submit comments, log on to
wildlifedepartment.com.
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