Aquatic Invasive Species
TU national merged in 2008 with the Whirling Disease Foundation and is increasing its focus on Aquatic Invasive Species and the harm they cause to our native trout, wild trout and their habitats. Whirling Disease has been present in some New Mexico streams for several years, and it has very harmful impacts on cutthroat and rainbow trout. Southwestern native trout (Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Gila trout, and Apache trout) seem particularly susceptible to Whirling Disease. The invasive alga Didymo was found in 2008 in the Pecos. New Zealand mud snails, which can cover stream bottoms and push out native macroinvertebrates, are now in every western state except New Mexico, but they are surely heading this way.
Anglers are a major cause of the spread of these Aquatic Invasive Species. Many of these species hitch a ride on the boots and waders of anglers and on watercraft. A recent study found that the average angler in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is carrying 22.10 grams of sediment on their boots and waders, and those sediments often carry invasive species.
At the 2008 annual meeting, TU announced a major initiative to have angling-equipment manufacturers stop making felt-soled wading boots by 2011. Felt soles are major vectors of invasive species because of their porous nature. Simms is committed to eliminating felt-soled waders even sooner. You can help stop the spread of these diseases by not using felt-sole wading boots.
You can also help by cleaning your boots, waders, float tubes, and boats whenever you leave one stream or lake to fish another. The Center for Aquatic Invasive Species, the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF), and TU have jointly adopted the Clean Angling Pledge, set out below. Please take the pledge and follow it. Help stop the spread of these diseases.
More information on how to clean equipment can found at cleanangling.org and tu.org. On the TU web site, click on “Science” and then on “Aquatic Invasive Species.”
Clean Angling Pledge:
"I pledge to inspect, clean and dry my gear.
I am committed to protecting our fisheries resources from invasive species."
Our fisheries are threatened by invasive creatures that damage habitat. Simple steps can be taken to reduce the spread and introduction of harmful invaders.
•Inspect your gear for any plants, or dirt.
•Clean your gear with clean water.
•Thoroughly dry your gear.
•Never transport any fish, plants or animals from one body of water to another.
•Tell others to do the same!
Please join TU, the Federation of Fly Fishers, National Wildlife Federation and countless dedicated anglers in the fight against invasives by taking the Clean Angling Pledge today.