Threat Of Exotics In State Waters Continues

Outdoor water recreationists are once again reminded to help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species in North Dakota.

State Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator Fred Ryckman applauds the efforts of those who keep North Dakota waters free of unwanted species.

“I commend the commitment shown by the vast majority of our boaters and anglers who understand how important it is to keep our lakes and rivers free of ANS, by doing their part to ensure our waters do not become infested,” Ryckman said. “But at the same time, there are others who do not follow the regulations. It is critically important for everyone to comply, so that the vast majority of our state’s waters remain ANS free.”

Current law states: water must be drained from watercraft prior to leaving a water body, including livewells; bait buckets and/or any container of 5 gallons or less in volume can be used to transport legal live baitfish or other bait in water; all other fish species may not be held in water and/or transported in bait buckets/containers when away from a water body; transportation of fish in or on ice is allowed; no aquatic vegetation, or parts thereof, shall be in or on watercraft, motors, trailers and recreational equipment when out of water; time out of the water needed to remove aquatic vegetation at the immediate water access area is allowed; all built-in structures in boats, including livewells and bait compartments, and containers (bait buckets) used to transport legal live bait, must also be free of aquatic vegetation; all legal live aquatic organisms used by anglers, including legal baitfish (fathead minnows), amphibians (salamanders and frogs), invertebrates (crayfish and leeches) and insects must be purchased and/or trapped in North Dakota

 

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