Indianapolis, IN
February 15-17, 2013
IISG AIS Outreach Team educates hundreds at the Indianapolis Boat,
Sport, and Travel Show
 |
| Zebra Mussels |
Danielle
Hilbrich from the IISG aquatic invasive species (AIS) outreach team
attended the Indianapolis
Boat, Sport, and Travel Show at the Indiana State Fair Grounds in
Indianapolis, IN on February 15-17. Danielle
teamed up with the Indiana DNR to host a booth and educate recreational water
users on the dangers of AIS. Danielle talked with 850 people about AIS, and
handed out hundreds of Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!™ stickers and brochures. Many
show attendees were very aware of problems that the invasive species like Zebra
Mussel, Eurasian Watermilfoil, and Hydrilla can cause on aquatic ecosystems,
and regularly boat on lakes infested with these invaders. Although one young show attendee called zebra
mussel shells her “lake treasures,” we know that they are unwanted invaders!
Attendees were educated about the proper techniques to prevent the
spread of aquatic invasive species. AIS
spread can be slowed by following just a few simple steps: INSPECT and REMOVE any
aquatic plants or animals from boats and recreational equipment, DRAIN all
water from equipment, DISPOSE of unwanted live bait or fish into the trash, DRY
equipment thoroughly, and NEVER release organisms from one waterbody to
another. One show-goer was surprised to
find out that dumping bait in the trash was a way to prevent the spread
invasive species. Thankfully, Danielle was there to educate this angler!
For more information on aquatic invasive species or the Stop Aquatic
Hitchhikers!™ campaign please visit IISG’s Stop
Aquatic Hitchhiker’s page at http://iiseagrant.org/ais/SAH.html or www.protectyourwaters.net.
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