Protecting water quality a growing national priority

Campaigns target aquatic invaders and medication disposal

By SANDY LONG

UNITED STATES — Now that Didymo, an invasive aquatic algae, has been discovered in the East Branch, West Branch and main stem of the Delaware River, concerns are increasing about the best ways to minimize the spread of such aquatic invaders and the impact of other agents affecting water quality.

At the national level, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and its Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force seek to raise awareness of this and two additional water-quality issues. The agency has now partnered with various public and private organizations to implement progressive campaigns encouraging people to become part of the solution when it comes to addressing the impact of alien aquatic species and the disposal of consumer medications.

To address this initiative, the USFWS has developed three campaigns targeting specific behaviors that impact the environment. The first, “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!” ( www.ProtectYourWaters.net ) focuses on minimizing behaviors that increase the transport and establishment of aquatic invasive species such as Didymo, or Rock Snot.

Aquatic nuisance species are also referred to as exotic, invasive or non-native organisms. Some examples include Chinese mitten crabs, Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. They are organisms that invade ecosystems beyond their natural range and whose presence may harm native ecosystems or commercial, agricultural or recreational activities dependent upon these ecosystems.

Such species are spread by accident or intention via water vessels, aquaculture, agriculture, nurseries and pond or aquarium owners. The ANS Task Force estimates the cost of the impact of introduced terrestrial and aquatic species in America to be in the billions.

The second campaign is “Habitattitude,™ which is designed to target aquarium hobbyists, water gardeners and pond owners to promote aquatic invasive species awareness and responsible hobbyist behaviors. With more than 13 million homes in America that have aquaria or water gardens, the potential for release of aquatic plants or fish, whether intentional or accidental, is substantial.

Additional information about such impacts, strategies for prevention and actions to be taken are available at www.Habitattitude.net. This campaign was developed in partnership with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s Sea Grant Program.

Still under development is the third campaign, “Smart Disposal,™ which addresses proper disposal of medications to minimize their environmental impacts. A website is underway, though not yet completed, and will feature steps consumers can take to safeguard lives and protect water resources when they discard unused medications. This public awareness campaign is the result of a partnership between the USFWS and the American Pharmacists Association.

One objective of all three campaigns is to strengthen the effectiveness of multiple organizations by unifying their individual efforts on such issues into a clearly focused message, according to the USFWS. Joe Starinchak, Outreach Coordinator for the USFWS’s Branch of Invasive Species, said the agency is trying to get people engaged enough to motivate behavioral changes. “We want to help people understand that their individual actions can make a difference,” Starinchak said.

Conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, businesses and media outlets are encouraged to become partners, thereby gaining access to materials and resources to be used to promote environmentally responsible consumer behaviors. For additional information visit www.fws.gov/contaminants/Issues/InvasiveSpecies.cfm or contact Starinchak at Joe_Starinchak@fws.gov or 703/358-2018.