Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Ambassador & Volunteer Handbook

"Aquatic invasive species" are plants and animals that do not naturally occur in Minnesota waters and they are species that cause or may cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health; or threaten or may threaten natural resources or the use of natural resources in the state. The recreational and commercial use of Minnesota waters, and the health of native plants and animals that live within them, are threatened by aquatic invasive species. A small percentage of nonnative species, such as curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, faucet snails, and zebra mussels, introduced to the state can cause significant changes and problems. Other invasive species that have not arrived in Minnesota yet, such as black carp, hydrilla, snakehead fish, and water chestnut, are also potential threats to our aquatic resources. Invasive species usually have competitive advantages over native species: they multiply rapidly, are free from natural predators found in their native areas, and some may grow or spread very quickly. Once introduced into our waters, they are nearly impossible to eliminate.