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Becoming
a Citizen Scientist (Training) Link to Bathymetric Maps of Some RI Ponds Monitoring
Manuals and Cyanobacteria (Algal Blooms)
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Learning about Aquatic Invasive Species Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are plants and animals that have been introduced into new ecosystems, resulting in harm to the habitat or species there, as well as human use of those resources. Invading species often displace beneficial native species, and reduce overall biodiversity. Recognizing new invasions early can allow for prompt control efforts, and perhaps even eradication, protecting the environment and reducing costs. A number of aquatic invasive species (both plants and animals) are already found in Rhode Island's waters, and preventing their spread to additional waterbodies requires us all to be aware and vigilent. Aquatic plants, often called "weeds" when they grow at densities that interfere with swimming, fishing and crowd out native species, are an important part of our lake and river ecosystems. Plants not only provide food for many animals, but also hide young fish and take up excess nutrients preventing algal blooms. Unfortunately non-native plants that are introduced into our waterbodies do not typically have their natural predators to help keep a natural balance, often resulting in nuisance conditions. Boaters, sailors, anglers, paddlers …every time you leave a launch: INSPECT boat, trailers and equipment and REMOVE plants, animals, and mud.
Online sources for more information: RI Department of Environmental Management - Aquatic Invasive Species (Newly updated!!) http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/water/quality/surfwq/aisindex.htm RI Department of Environmental Management Factsheets:
RI Coastal Resources Management Council Notice: Pond Conservation is the national charity dedicated to creating and protecting ponds and the wildlife they support: http://www.pondconservation.org.uk/advice/invasivespecies/introducedplants/ A guide to aquatic plants identification & management (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources): http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/shorelandmgmt/apg/index.html Guide To Aquatic and Wetland Plants of West Virginia: http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/wildlife/803.pdf Aquatic Plants, Algae & Lakes (Department of Ecology, Washington State): http://www.ecy.wa.gov/Programs/wq/links/plants.html Pesticides and Aquatic Animals: A Guide to Reducing Impacts on Aquatic Systems: http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/waterquality/420-013/420-013.html A Field Guide To Aquatic Exotic Plants And Animals (Minnesota Sea Grant Program): http://www.sgnis.org/publicat/mn-field.htm Eutrophication and Aquatic Plant Management in Massachusetts: Identifying and Managing Aquatic Plants in Ponds (video
series): Aquatic Plants and Algae Publications (Penn State Cooperative
Extension): National Invasives Species Information Center - USDA: Narragansett Bay Estuary Program Bay Science - Marine Invasive
Species: Invasive Species of Long Island Sound: http://www.seagrant.uconn.edu/whatwedo/ais/listour.php |
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