Protecting Mississippi’s
Waterways
Aquatic Nuisance Species
 Introducing non-native species into
Mississippi waters can upset the
balance of the ecosystem, thereby harming the environment. Aquatic
nuisance species, such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, milfoil, and hydrilla, most often spread between
waterways by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers.
When transplanted into new waters, these organisms
proliferate, displacing native species and damaging
water resources.
How You Can Help
Here’s what you can do to prevent spreading aquatic
nuisance species:
- Inspect your vessel and trailer, and remove any plants
and animals you see before leaving the area.
- Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on land before
leaving the area.
- Empty your bait bucket on land. Never release live
bait into a body of water or release aquatic animals from one body of water into another.
- Rinse your vessel, propeller, trailer, and equipment.
- Air-dry your vessel and equipment for as long as
possible.
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