Prevent the Spread of Nuisance Species in Vermont's Waters

An increasing number of non-native aquatic plants and animals are invading waters of Vermont. When moved into new waters, these species rapidly multiply, causing significant economic and ecological damage. Do your part to help prevent the spread of nuisance species:

• Inspect your vessel, trailer, and equipment (motor, anchors, centerboards, rollers, axles) and remove any plants and animals.
• Discard unused bait in the trash or leave with someone fishing in the same water body.
• Drain water from the motor, live well, bilge, and transom wells while on land and before leaving any body of water.
• Rinse your vessel and equipment with tap water (preferably hot) or at a car wash.
• Dry your vessel and equipment in the sun for at least 5 days.
• Learn how to identify aquatic nuisance species.
• Report sightings of aquatic nuisance species to the Departments of Fish & Wildlife at 802-241-3700 or Environmental Conservation at 802-241-3777.

Notice: The transport of Zebra Mussel, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Water Chestnut, or Quagga Mussel to or from any Vermont surface water is illegal in Vermont (under Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 10, Chapter 47 § 1266 regarding zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, water chestnut, and quagga mussel). The Court Administrator’s Office established the fine at $150.00 plus surcharge. Effective May, 1999, the Vermont legislature decriminalized certain violations of surface water rules adopted pursuant to 10 V.S.A. §1424, as well as violations of the transportation of aquatic nuisance species laws pursuant to 10 V.S.A. §1266. These are now civil violations, punishable by fines established by the Court Administrator's Office.

Introducing non-native species into Vermont waters can upset the balance of the ecosystem, hurting the environment. Common nuisance species are:

	Eurasian Watermilfoil: A prolific aquatic plant found in Lake Champlain and many inland lakes in Vermont. It interferes with boating and displaces native plants. It is spread easily when plant fragments are caught and moved on boat trailers, propellers, anchors, or in wet wells. Plant fragments can initiate new plants and become well established.
	Zebra Mussel: A tiny D-shaped mollusk, well established in Lake Champlain. It can clog water intake pipes, damage vessel engines, obscure historic shipwrecks, and alter native species populations. Adult zebra mussels can attach and be moved on vessel hulls, engines, and other equipment. Microscopic larvae can get trapped and moved in the water of vessel engines, bilges, bait buckets, and live wells.
	Water Chestnut: A prolific annual plant found in southern Lake Champlain, Lake Bomoseen, and a few inland lakes. It interferes with boating, hunting, and fishing, and displaces native plants. It is spread by seeds or rosettes caught in vessels and equipment.
	Alewife: A small bait fish recently found in Lake St. Catherine. Alewaif may displace smelt and other native forage fish. It can be introduced to new bodies of water if accidentally or intentionally caught and used for bait or if dumped from bait buckets or live wells.