Invasive species in Alaska

As I write this, the snow is lightly falling after an overnight total of around three inches. I was hoping for an easy winter, but that all went out the door about mid-February. This past week had me dealing with getting our driveways opened back up, dealing with a malfunctioning space heater in my storage building, and a bad battery on the car. Never a dull moment!

Fish and Game is sending out more information about our aquatic environment. They have a monthly newsletter called “Reel Times.” This latest issue deals with invasive species showing up in our Valley’s water systems. The newest invasive species is the zebra mussel.

The article states, “Zebra mussels are thumb-sized invasive freshwater shellfish named for the striped pattern of their shell. They look like tiny D-shaped clams. Zebra mussels can survive in Alaska freshwaters. Prior to this finding, zebra mussels have not been detected in Alaska.”

Continuing, “The Imagitarium brand of “marimo” balls shipped under the product name “Betta Buddy Marimo Balls”, “Shrimp Buddy Marimo Balls” (also commonly called “moss” balls) and other products of the living filamentous algae (Aegagropila linneaei) were found to have the highly invasive freshwater zebra mussel (Dreissenia polymorpha) attached and free floating in packaging. These balls of algae are often used as decorative items in aquariums or fish tanks. Zebra mussels can attach to the fibers and survive being transported.”

The release further states, “‘Zebra mussels are considered a highly invasive species in Alaska and pose a great threat to the state’s freshwater environments, Tammy Davis, the ADF&G Invasive Species Coordinator, said.’ ’It could be extremely detrimental to aquatic habits in Alaska if zebra mussels were inadvertently introduced in any freshwater system in the state. It is imperative that we take measures to ensure that this does not happen.’”

Fish and Game “recommends all live algae balls (commonly sold by the name “marimo” or “moss” balls) kept in an aquarium or container and the untreated water in which it’s kept should be treated before disposal. One of the four following treatment options should be followed prior to disposal of moss balls: remove the moss ball(s) and place in a sealable plastic bag and put the bag in the freezer for at least 24 hours; or place moss ball(s) in boiling water for at least one full minute; or mix a solution of diluted chlorine bleach using 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water and submerge the moss ball in the diluted bleach solution for at least 10 minutes; or submerge the moss ball in undiluted white vinegar for at least 20 minutes.”

“Moss balls and any packaging should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and disposed of in the trash. Boiling water, diluted bleach solution and vinegar used for treatment can be poured down a household drain. Do not pour aquarium water or any treatment liquids down a storm drain or into Alaska waters.”

We have been dealing with the other two invasive species in this area for several years. The first is Northern pike. Besides the use of rotenone to clean out a lake, the sport fishing regulations have been liberalized to help control pike numbers. According to Fish and Game, “In Southcentral, where pike are invasive, there is no limit to how many you can catch. You can use multiple methods like hook and line, bow and arrow, and spear. You can use up to five lines while ice fishing in some waters, and all pike you catch must be dispatched.”

Elodea, an invasive plant, is distributed to new lakes or waterways when pieces of the plant break off and are dispersed. Human activities are the main pathways for spread. When plant fragments attach to boat trailers or propellers, floatplane rudders, recreational equipment, or fishing gear, they can establish fast growing, robust infestations in previously uninfested lakes and creeks. These modes of transport make it everyone’s responsibility to protect their favorite places for fishing, boating, and hanging out on the water.”

The newsletter continues, “Elodea has been found in 35 water bodies in the state: 10 freshwater systems in Interior Alaska, nine water bodies in Southcentral, seven lakes on the Kenai Peninsula, and nine water bodies around Cordova… The reason we care, and you should too, is that aquatic invasive species degrade our favorite fishing spots and destroy habitat for native fish and other animals. We want to protect and sustain opportunities for sport fishing throughout the state.”

Do your part in preventing the spread of these invasive species.