Another Invasive Water Species Disrupts Minnesota's Ecosystem

I CAN'T EVEN SEE IT

Invasive species. We hear about them a lot these days. The Spiny Waterflea is another one; except this one is microscopic, and also known as 'zooplankton.' The Spiny Waterflea lives in open water, and is almost clear; just an opaque color.

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The Spiny waterflea has one single long tail, that has one to four spines on it, and one large black eye spot. You may have found this on your fishing line or have seen it and not realized what it was. It often appears in gel-like clumps and has a texture of wet cotton. Yuck?

WHERE DID IT COME FROM?

The Spiny waterflea is native to Europe and Asia and was brought to the United States by mistake through cargo ship ballast water. The zooplankton was first discovered in Lake Ontario back in 1982, and then it spread to Lake Superior by 1987.

THREAT TO MINNESOTA LAKES

Here's why they are a threat to Minnesota lakes:

They prey on native zooplankton and can cause a decline or elimination of some species of native zooplankton which the Spiny waterflea feeds on.

They do not provide a good source of food for our native fish, because of their long tail and spines.

They clog the eyelets of fishing rods and make it harder for people to land a fish.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Clean your boat or other watercraft of all plants.
Drain all of the water out of your watercraft, and keep the plugs out during tranport
Dispose of unwanted bait in trashcans
Dry docks, lifts, swim rafts, or other equipment for at least 21 days before taking your watercraft to another body of water.

The Minnesota DNR would like you to report any new occurrence of spiny waterfleas immediately.