| Like mini "wanted" posters, each card features a picture of a species of concern and lists the simple things that people can do to prevent its spread. |
Don't leave home without them—this is what Great Lakes coastal resource managers hope people will do with credit-card-sized warnings about the region's most troublesome aquatic invaders.
"When aquatic invasive species become established, it's frustrating to know that public education could have prevented their spread," says Doug Jensen, coordinator of the University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program's Aquatic Invasive Species Information Center.
Jensen led a Great Lakes Sea Grant Network WATCH ID card project designed to raise awareness and promote effective action against aquatic invasive species among boaters, anglers, waterfowl hunters, ornamental and water gardeners, commercial fishermen, and fishery professionals. Like mini "wanted" posters, each card features a picture of a species of concern and lists the simple things that people can do to prevent its spread.
"We wanted something that was easily transportable that could fit in a wallet, tackle box, or glove box, that you could have in your hands while you were out recreating," says Jensen.
Because of the popularity of cards produced in 1994 on the invasive Eurasian ruffe, Sea Grant programs across the region, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lake Champlain, and Ontario and Quebec, Canada, wanted to partner in the project to produce more cards for more species.
Today, there are 31 partners who buy portions of each print run, which dramatically lowers printing and production costs, and avoids duplication of effort.
A total of 68 versions of the cards based on the different species and states have been printed, Jensen says. Last year, 3.2 million cards were produced covering seven species.
Jensen says a standard format has been developed that features a high-quality color photograph of a species on the front of a folded card. Inside the card, text briefly explains the threat the species poses, how it's spreading, and what people can do to prevent it. The preventative recommendations are taken from national and regional guidelines to ensure a consistent and effective message.
The cards' only variable is the list of people to contact if the species is found, which varies from state to state and province to province. On the back of the card is a detailed diagram of the species to help with identification.
The cards are distributed at convenience stores, bait shops, and marinas—any place fishing and hunting licenses are sold—and are stocked at the beginning of May, when about 60 percent of the season's fishing licenses are acquired.
Jensen notes that states outside the region have adopted the template and developed cards for species of concern in their state or region.
"It's been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding projects I've worked on," Jensen adds. "These cards are tremendously popular. It's been a wonderful collaborative effort."
For more information on the aquatic invasive species WATCH ID card project, contact Doug Jensen at (218) 726-8712, or djensen1@d.umn.edu. To obtain cards, contact any Great Lakes Sea Grant office. Minnesota cards can be ordered by pointing your browser to www.seagrant.umn.edu/pubs/freeorder.html and looking under the exotics category.
