AIS Pathways
What are AIS Pathways?
Pathways are the means and routes by which invasive species are introduced into new environments. Pathways are classified as either natural or man-made. Examples of pathways includes: boating, fishing (both open water and ice), fishing tournaments, waterfowl hunters, fish and bait production and sales, bait shops, marinas, dock and lift service providers, pet stores, maritime commerce, canals and dams, landscapers, and utilities.
Invasive species are primarily spread by human activity, often unintentionally. The most common way AIS like zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil spread to new waters is by hitching a ride on boats, trailers, and equipment. Similarly, other AIS are introduced into lakes and streams through intentional releases.
Pathways can generally be classified as either natural or man-made.
Examples of Common and Not So Common Pathways:
Aquarium Specimens, Aquaculture and Gardening:
Plants and animals ordered and used in school projects, landscaping projects and water gardens may be an invasive species or an exotic specie that has the potential to be invasive. However, even if the species is not invasive or exotic, there is a risk that the species may contain an invasive hitchhiker. According to a study by Maki and Galatowitsch (2004), nearly 93% of plant orders contained unwanted plants, seeds, mosses, fungi, snails, or fish. In this study, ten percent of the orders included regulated aquatic invasive plant species such as hydrilla and curly-leaf pondweed. These unintended aquatic invasive species (AIS) may be purchased and then accidentally escaped into the wild or released in lakes, rivers, streams, creeks ands wetlands.
Mud and debris on tires, lawn mowers, and construction equipment can move invasive plant seeds, insects, and diseases. Wood products such as garden mulch, firewood, Christmas wreaths, and shipping pallets can move invasive insects, plants and pathogens.
Schools and Households: Many AIS introductions have been linked to schools and households dumping aquarium contents into lakes or rivers. Aquarium fish, plants, mollusks, and water can be invasive, or hold invasive, so proper disposal is very important. Other prevention steps include:
Watercrafts
Fishing Gear
Hunting and Trapping Gear
AIS in Ballast Water
Pathways are the means and routes by which invasive species are introduced into new environments. Pathways are classified as either natural or man-made. Examples of pathways includes: boating, fishing (both open water and ice), fishing tournaments, waterfowl hunters, fish and bait production and sales, bait shops, marinas, dock and lift service providers, pet stores, maritime commerce, canals and dams, landscapers, and utilities.
Invasive species are primarily spread by human activity, often unintentionally. The most common way AIS like zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil spread to new waters is by hitching a ride on boats, trailers, and equipment. Similarly, other AIS are introduced into lakes and streams through intentional releases.
Pathways can generally be classified as either natural or man-made.
- Natural pathways are forms of natural dispersal that can bring species to a new habitat such as via wind, current, floating debris, and run-off. Example: Purple loosestrife seeds can move with storm water run-off.
- Man-made pathways are those which are created or enhanced by human activity and are either unintentional or intentional.
- Intentional introduction is the result of a deliberate movement of a species by humans outside of its natural range. For example, intentional release of unwanted aquatic pets and aquaria plants.
- Unintentional introduction is the inadvertent or unintentional movement of a non-native species as an indirect result of some other human activity. For example, zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil can hitch a ride on boats, trailers, and mud on an anchor.
Examples of Common and Not So Common Pathways:
Aquarium Specimens, Aquaculture and Gardening:
Plants and animals ordered and used in school projects, landscaping projects and water gardens may be an invasive species or an exotic specie that has the potential to be invasive. However, even if the species is not invasive or exotic, there is a risk that the species may contain an invasive hitchhiker. According to a study by Maki and Galatowitsch (2004), nearly 93% of plant orders contained unwanted plants, seeds, mosses, fungi, snails, or fish. In this study, ten percent of the orders included regulated aquatic invasive plant species such as hydrilla and curly-leaf pondweed. These unintended aquatic invasive species (AIS) may be purchased and then accidentally escaped into the wild or released in lakes, rivers, streams, creeks ands wetlands.
Mud and debris on tires, lawn mowers, and construction equipment can move invasive plant seeds, insects, and diseases. Wood products such as garden mulch, firewood, Christmas wreaths, and shipping pallets can move invasive insects, plants and pathogens.
Schools and Households: Many AIS introductions have been linked to schools and households dumping aquarium contents into lakes or rivers. Aquarium fish, plants, mollusks, and water can be invasive, or hold invasive, so proper disposal is very important. Other prevention steps include:
- Teach children the importance of not moving water or species from its native habitat. Also, it is illegal to move aquatic species from one waterbody to another.
- Prevent unwanted species from getting dumped in a local water by surrendering the species to a pet store or animal rescue group.
- Teachers can prevent spreading AIS through common classroom activities.
- Avoid buying invasive species and exotic fish, plants, and mollusks from biological supply companies. Properly dispose of the specimens.
- Never allow your students to bring captured fish or other aquatic creatures into your classroom.
Watercrafts
- All watercrafts including boats, jet skis, wakeboard boats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks, fishing kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats, inflatables with solid floors, and other recreational watercrafts.
- Specific areas on/in a boat where AIS can hide: Hulls, motors, propellers, lower units, factory installed ballast tanks, aftermarket ballast tanks and bags, intake grates, bilge, livewells, bait containers, anchors, ropes, downrigger cables, trailer axles, bunkers, and boat carpet.
- AIS can spread by hitching a ride in ballast water of oceangoing ships.
- A few drops of water left in bait buckets and livewells can move spiny waterfleas.
- Invasive plants can hide in mud and sand in canoes, kayaks, boat anchors, and on boat trailers.
- Zebra mussels can attach to boat hulls, motors, and bilges.
Fishing Gear
- Nets, waders, footwear, dip nets, fishing lines, and tackle.
- Example: Zebra Mussels, New Zealand Mud Snails, plant material, seeds, and organisms can cling to felt sole waders, hunting clothes, equipment, and even dog fur.
Hunting and Trapping Gear
- Hunting dogs, clothing, traps, waders, hip boots, boats, motors, trailers, ATV’s, push poles, decoys, decoy lines and anchors (use elliptical and bulb-shaped anchors to help avoid snagging aquatic plants).
- For example: Hunting dogs can accidently transport invasive species. This happens when seeds (including burrs, stickers, foxtail seeds, etc.) and mud (containing seeds, mussels, or organisms) gets tangled in dogs fur, including the fur between the paw pads. Invasive plant seeds, burrs, insects, and diseases can hide in mud attached to equipment, tire treads, soles of shoes and clothing.
AIS in Ballast Water