Aquatic Aquatic Invasive Invasive Species Species
Dec 23, 2015
Aquatic Invasive Aquatic Invasive SpeciesSpecies
Invasive Species Invasive Species Public Awareness CampaignPublic Awareness Campaign
2009 Sunset Commission raised issue of exotic aquatic plants
and directed Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to:
“provide greater information to the public on the harm caused by releasing exotic species.”
Invasive SpeciesInvasive Species
What is an invasive species? An "invasive species" is defined as a species that is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem that
• Grows, reproduces and spreads rapidly
• Lacks natural predators and competitors
• Is disease resistant
Invasive Species ImpactsInvasive Species ImpactsInvasive species…
• Destroy habitats
• Interfere with ecosystem functions (change important processes like fire, nutrient flow and flooding)
• Decrease biodiversity by threatening the survival of native plants and animals
• Hybridize with native species
Invasive Species ImpactInvasive Species Impact
Why should I care? Invasive species…
• Threaten agriculture (crop damage)
• Are costly to treat, control and to remedy damage caused to public resources & personal equipment (US estimates $137 billion annually)
• Negatively impact recreational activities
• May reduce property values in affected areas
Aquatic Invasive Species: Aquatic Invasive Species: PlantsPlants
Giant Salvinia
Hydrilla
Elephant ears
Alligator weedCommon water hyacinth
Aquatic Invasive Species: Aquatic Invasive Species: AnimalsAnimals
Zebra mussels
Asian clam Giant Ram’s-horn snail
NutriaPlecostomus
Invasive SpeciesInvasive Species
A Closer look
Invasive Species CampaignInvasive Species CampaignGiant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) the
first species to be addressed
Giant Salvinia Giant Salvinia • Floating, rootless fern
• Grows in chains, forming dense mats
• Native of Brazil
• Popular aquarium plant
• First found in Texas in 1998
• Currently reported in over a dozen Texas water bodies and in most US coastal states
Why Giant Salvinia?Why Giant Salvinia?• Highly destructive
• Can double in size in one week
• Best opportunity to reduce and control
Hello Salvinia ~ Goodbye LakesHello Salvinia ~ Goodbye Lakes Six month unchecked growth rate
of Giant Salvinia beginning with ¼ acre
0
250
500
750
1,000
1,250
1,500
1,750
2,000
2,250
2,500
2,750
3,000
3,250
3,500
3,750
4,000
4,250
4,500
Lake
Sur
face
( T
hous
ands
of A
cres
)
Lake Austin (1,599 ac)
Lake Amistad (64,900 ac)
Lake Texoma (74,686 ac)
Toledo Bend (181,600 ac)
All Texas Lakes (3.2 million acres)
The Lesson
How You Can HelpHow You Can Help• Educate teachers, students and
parents to retain plants and animals from classroom aquariums, displays & science experiments
• Volunteer at a local park, refuge or other wildlife area to help remove invasive species
• Prevent hitchhikers ~ Learn how to clean your shoes & socks, fishing equipment, dogs, boats, cars, bikes and motorcycles
• Choose native plants for your garden and pond that are appropriate for your region. Ask your local nursery to start carrying more native plants.
ResourcesResourcesTexas Parks & Wildlife, www.tpwd.state.tx.us
Texas Invasives, www.texasinvasives.org
Protect Your Waters, www.protectyourwaters.net
Aquatic Plant Management Society: Understanding Invasive Aquatic Weeds Activity booklet and interactive web site, www.apms.org/activity.htm
University of Florida: Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/
USDA National Invasive Species Information Center, http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/
Science Fairs ~ reducing the risk of spreading invasives, www.anstaskforce.gov/Documents/ISEF.pdf
Texas Invasives WebsiteTexas Invasives Websitewww.texasinvasives.orgwww.texasinvasives.org
Partnership with Partnership with
Lady Bird Johnson Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Wildflower Center
Features: Features:
– Invasives 101 Invasives 101
– Eco-Alerts by Eco-Alerts by regionregion
– Report new Report new
sightings onlinesightings online
Thank You!Thank You!