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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