The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is a partner in a national campaign called Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers to help stop the spread of non-native, invasive aquatic plants and animals.

As Floridians, we love to spend time on the water. Protecting these resources is an important part of our overall enjoyment. A concern we must all address is the spreading of invasive, non-native plants and animals. These aquatic plants and animals can hitch a ride on our clothing, boats and items used in the water. When we go to another lake or stream, the invasive, non-native species can be released. And, if the conditions are right, these introduced species can become established and create drastic results.

So what can we do? By following a simple procedure each time we leave the water, we can stop aquatic hitchhikers. Knowing which waters contain nuisance hitchhikers is not as important ---- as doing the procedure every time we leave any lake, stream or coastal area. (Click on the links for details on what to do.)

Simple Procedures (courtesy of http://protectyourwaters.net/)

• Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment

• Eliminate water from equipment before transporting

• Clean and dry anything that came in contact with water (Boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.)

• Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.

Non-native species are a growing problem in Florida. Invasive non-native species such as Japanese climbing ferns, Cuban treefrogs, Mediterranean fruit flies and even West Nile virus can devastate our native landscape, impact our native wildlife, take food from our tables and even threaten our health. To learn more click on the Florida Invaders icon and go to...... http://myfwc.com/nonnatives

Invasive species can be real monsters.  To view our 30 second theatre spot, Gill Man, click the picture below.