January 27, 2012
By Lance Egan
One of, if not THE threat to many of our fabled waters is the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). You've likely heard of Whirling Disease and New Zealand Mud Snails, but there are many more AIS that threaten our waters. One that is often overlooked is the introduction of non-native fish. A current example of such is the introduction of Mackinaw into Yellowstone Lake. Dave Kumlien, Trout Unlimited's AIS Program Director provided the following information and survey link. The survey takes about 5 to 8 minutes to complete. Please take a few minutes to provide some helpful input.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Survey
Dear Fly Fisherman,
Scientists agree that second only to habitat loss, AIS pose the greatest threat to the decline of native aquatic species in North America. The spread of already established AIS, and the impacts of new AIS invasions combined with rapid climate change is expected to increase AIS problems and will have a significant negative impact on TU's efforts to conserve and protect threatened and listed native species across the country. A striking example of AIS impacts has occurred in Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park where two AIS, lake trout and whirling disease have combined to cause a 90 percent decline in the world's largest refuge of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
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Trout Unlimited AIS Program Director Dave Kumlien has worked closely with researchers from Illinois State University to develop an aquatic invasive species survey. The purpose of the survey is to help identify AIS threats, set priorities, and develop AIS policy. We need your help and ask that you take 7-9 minutes and take the online survey. No personal information is collected, and your participation is very important. The survey will be active from January 1, 2012 through the end of February 2012. We'd ask that you take the survey only once. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Dave Kumlien
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Director, Trout Unlimited Aquatic Invasive Species Program
Survey Link
https://survey.lilt.ilstu.edu/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=m80H6553