Invasive Species Website

[BredMan]

Some of you may have received this from the MDC as well but for those who haven't this is worth the reading on invasive species. Also take time to view the videos on the website for invasive species. Affects everyone who enjoys outdoor activities especially fishing and hunting. One of the topics discussed is Asia Carp (a.k.a. Flying Fish). This I have witnessed first hand and it's ugly to say the least.

Link to the site:

Invasive Species Central - http://www.wildlifeforever.org

Video helps hunters, anglers identify invasive species

Short and long versions are available as free downloads.

JEFFERSON CITY–The USDA Forest Service and Wildlife Forever have released a video to help sportsmen and women identify invasive species and take action to help prevent the ecological damage that escaped exotic plants and animals can cause.

The video “Defending Favorite Places” is one in a series of invasive species prevention programs targeting the hunting and fishing communities.

“America’s 50 million hunters and anglers represent our best hope in combating invasive species,” said Wildlife Forever President Douglas H. Grann. “They are out on the front line every day. The knowledge and information contained in these programs will empower an army of outdoors men and women to help take back America’s native habitats. It is our hope that local conservation and sports clubs across the nation will show these programs frequently during their regular meetings."

The video is part of the National Invasive Species Threat Campaign led by Wildlife Forever with support from the Forest Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Center for Invasive Plant Management, and many other public and private organizations and individuals.

The full, 27-minute video is available as a free Internet download at Wildlife Forever’s new Invasive Species Central (ISC) web page. Also available are a shortened version running 15 minutes, a 5-minute video trailer and a 14-minute “Ideas on Invasives” bonus feature. The ISC home page also has other how-to videos and links to information for anyone who wants to join the fight against invasive species.

[Wayne SW/MO]

The Asian carp is to well embedded now to do much more than try to prevent it from spreading. I understand they are fairly decent on the table, so perhaps some help building a commercial market would help keep them in check.

[DD'sMC]

The Asian carp is to well embedded now to do much more than try to prevent it from spreading. I understand they are fairly decent on the table, so perhaps some help building a commercial market would help keep them in check.

Even though these fish are some of the ugliest creatures I have ever seen, they are very tasty IMO. The meat is white and has an unexpected sweet flavor. I think a commercial market is a great idea!

I've seen some great videos of bow fishing for these fish--quite the challenge as they are flying out of the water!! How about a derby?

FYI-not a good idea to do any water skiing in areas where these fish are abundant!

[MoCarp]

yup invasives...which include brown trout and LM bass....becarefull on these guys or one day we may all be fishing for snail darters and june chubs!

[whetstone]

If we like them they're "introduced", if we don't they're "invasive".

yup invasives...which include brown trout and LM bass....becarefull on these guys or one day we may all be fishing for snail darters and june chubs!

[Kayser]

"Introduced" means they were intentionally put there. "Invasive" means that they spread there against the will of man, thus putting them where we dont want them and making them unwanted. Asian carp were "introduced", but became "invasive" once they escaped.

Rob

[whetstone]

Like I said...

[FishinCricket]

I thought that an invasive species would be a species that wasn't officially introduced AND is able to reproduce consistently on their own (rules out trout) AND actively changes or destroys the natural habitat (rules out Bass), right?

[BredMan]

I thought that an invasive species would be a species that wasn't officially introduced AND is able to reproduce consistently on their own (rules out trout) AND actively changes or destroys the natural habitat (rules out Bass), right?

Invasive species is a phrase with several definitions. The first definition expresses the phrase in terms of non-indigenous species (e.g. plants or animals) that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically. It has been used in this sense by government organizations as well as conservation groups such as the IUCN.

The second definition broadens the boundaries to include both native and non-native species that heavily colonize a particular habitat.

The third definition is an expansion of the first and defines an invasive species as a widespread non-indigenous species. This last definition is arguably too broad as not all non-indigenous species necessarily have an adverse effect on their adopted environment. An example of this broader use would include the claim that the common goldfish is invasive. True, it is common outside of its range globally but it almost never appears in harmful densities.

Having many bodies of water so dense with Asian carp after being introduced just 15 or so years ago is definitely considered invasive. Not to mention zebra mussels, ferrel hogs and many plants that have taken over forest, prairie, and farm lands. Sometimes humans just SUCK! Hopefully we will never hear the phrase "Asia Carp Pro Shop" or "How did that Ferrel Hog score with Boone and Crockett"........

[Kayser]

In the case of spotted bass in the Bourbuese River, they are displacing the smallmouth. They were introduced with the intention of supplementing the SM fishery, but have ended up taking over. I think that classifies as a bass being an invasive.

Rob