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Attention Hunters

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Aquatic Nuisance Species

The Aquatic Nuisance Species Program

The program was developed in 2008 with the creation of the ANS Management Plan. This document is the reference guide for the program and enables ODWC to seek federal funding for projects related to aquatic nuisance species. The program is geared toward outreach and education but also focuses on early detection and rapid response of aquatic invasions.

What are Aquatic Nuisance Species?

ANS are nonindigenous aquatic species that pose significant ecological and economic threats to aquatic ecosystems. This can include fish, aquatic plants, algae, invertebrates, viruses, and other aquatic pathogens. ANS can compete with and decrease native species within a system.

How You Can Help!

There are several ways that you, the angler and lake recreationist, can help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. When leaving a body of water, be sure to remove any visible plants or mud from your boat and gear, drain all water including bilges, bait buckets, and live wells, and clean anything that came in contact with the water. Also never release any plants or animals into a body of water unless they originated there.

If you think you have discovered any invasive species contact us at (918) 200-4815 or report online.

Report Online ANS Regulations

 


 

Aquatic Nuisance Species in Oklahoma

A photo of invasive alligator weed in Oklahoma.
ODWC Photo
photo of invasive Brittle Naiad infestation at Robert S Kerr
Photo by: okinvasives.org
A couple of invasive bighead carp.
ODWC Photo
A photo of aquatic invasive species Grass Carp, in Oklahoma.
ODWC Photo
photo of two adult silver carp
Photo by: USGS , US Geological Survey
Photo of Didymo Algea AKA Rock Snot
Photo by: Landcare Research
photo of a patch of Eurasian Watermilfoil
Photo by: Robert L. Johnson, Cornell University, Bugwood.org
A microscopic view of Golden Algae
Photo by: NEON ja
Photo of a Harris Mud Crab
Photo by: Robert Aguilar, SERC
Photo of invasive aquatic plant species Parrot's Feather
Photo by: Forest & Kim Starr
illustration of a White Perch (Morone Americana)
Photo by: Duane Raver, US Fish and Wildlife Service

 


 

Guidelines to reduce/stop the spread of invasive aquatic species:

Document
Document