MIBowhunter
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2002
- Messages
- 2,089
- Reaction score
- 0
LANSING — As a partner in Aquatic Nuisance Species Week, the Michigan United Conservation Clubs will educate the public in preventing the spread of invasive species by demonstrating the proper way to clean your boat throughout the week of June 2 on Michigan Out-of-Doors Television .
The MUCC-produced Michigan Out-of-Doors Television airs on 18 different public television stations throughout the Great Lakes . MUCC has long been active in the fight to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, educating its members and the public in prevention methods and by working to regulate the discharge of ballast water.
An aquatic nuisance species is defined as a waterborne, non-native organism that threatens the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of impacted waters, or threatens a commercial, agricultural, aquacultural, or recreational activity. MUCC is particularly concerned with the reduction in native fish populations and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. Of the 160 species introduced into the Great Lakes Basin since the 1800s, the zebra and quagga mussel, ruffe, round goby, spiny water flea, sea lamprey, Eurasian watermilfoil, and purple loosestrife are causing the greatest concern.
“Anglers and hunters can easily spread aquatic nuisance species from one lake to another,” said MUCC Executive Director Sam Washington . “Many species have spread from the Great Lakes to our inland lakes by attaching themselves to boats and fishing equipment. Oftentimes their young can’t even be seen by the naked eye, so it’s critical to educate outdoorsmen on the need to clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water.”
Michigan Out-of-Doors Television will demonstrate the proper way to clean your boat at Lake Lansing Park South, with expertise from the drain commissioner, a lakefront property owner, the park manager and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Copies of the segment are available and encouraged for educational use. A complete listing of stations and viewing times is found at mucc.org.
MUCC will also continue working to increase regulations on ballast water discharge. Ships often introduce or spread aquatic nuisance species through their ballast water. At present, ships are only encouraged to exercise best management practices when discharging ballast water.
MUCC has represented the views of millions of conservationists since 1937, with over 500 affiliated clubs whose mission is uniting citizens to conserve Michigan ’s natural resources and protect our outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.mucc.org .
The MUCC-produced Michigan Out-of-Doors Television airs on 18 different public television stations throughout the Great Lakes . MUCC has long been active in the fight to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, educating its members and the public in prevention methods and by working to regulate the discharge of ballast water.
An aquatic nuisance species is defined as a waterborne, non-native organism that threatens the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of impacted waters, or threatens a commercial, agricultural, aquacultural, or recreational activity. MUCC is particularly concerned with the reduction in native fish populations and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. Of the 160 species introduced into the Great Lakes Basin since the 1800s, the zebra and quagga mussel, ruffe, round goby, spiny water flea, sea lamprey, Eurasian watermilfoil, and purple loosestrife are causing the greatest concern.
“Anglers and hunters can easily spread aquatic nuisance species from one lake to another,” said MUCC Executive Director Sam Washington . “Many species have spread from the Great Lakes to our inland lakes by attaching themselves to boats and fishing equipment. Oftentimes their young can’t even be seen by the naked eye, so it’s critical to educate outdoorsmen on the need to clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water.”
Michigan Out-of-Doors Television will demonstrate the proper way to clean your boat at Lake Lansing Park South, with expertise from the drain commissioner, a lakefront property owner, the park manager and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Copies of the segment are available and encouraged for educational use. A complete listing of stations and viewing times is found at mucc.org.
MUCC will also continue working to increase regulations on ballast water discharge. Ships often introduce or spread aquatic nuisance species through their ballast water. At present, ships are only encouraged to exercise best management practices when discharging ballast water.
MUCC has represented the views of millions of conservationists since 1937, with over 500 affiliated clubs whose mission is uniting citizens to conserve Michigan ’s natural resources and protect our outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.mucc.org .
