Aquatic Invasive Species

AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) are plants, fish, invertebrates, and other creatures that are non-native to our lakes and rivers. Invasive species cause issues when they outcompete native animals and overwhelm their environment, with economic, environmental, and social ramifications. Each summer, Aitkin County hires AIS Watercraft Inspectors to check boats, docks, and other recreational watercraft for signs of invasive species. Aitkin County also has 4 decontamination units (decon units), which use hot water to clean and remove any invasive species that may be present on watercraft.

Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels foul up boats, motors, docks, and equipment left in lakes. Zebra mussels can survive out of water for days, so it is critical to clean, drain and dry docks, and watercraft before moving them to other lakes.

Starry Stonewort

Starry stonewort forms large dense mats of vegetation that often out-compete native aquatic plants and have impacts on boating, fishing and other native animals.

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Eurasian watermilfoil is a feathery submerged aquatic plant that can quickly form thick mats that interfere with swimming and entangle propellers, which hinders boating, and fishing.

Flowering Rush

Flowering Rush show dense growth along shoreland areas making it difficult to access open water. It overtakes habitat and outcompetes native aquatic plants, potentially lowering diversity. It does not provide suitable shelter, food, or nesting habitat for native animals.

Spiny Waterflea

Spiny waterfleas are microscopic animals, that live in open water. They are often found clogged on fishing line in gelatinous blobs.They harm food sources that our native fish depend on.

Carp

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has been working to slow the spread of invasive carp since the early 2000s.

Invasive carp captures in Minnesota waters have increased in recent years. In response to the increased captures, DNR has increased contracted commercial fishing and tagging and tracking efforts.