Recreation as a Vector for Invasive Species
This article takes a look at common recreational activities across the country and breaks down where they can be potential vectors for invasive species. While these activities can pose a threat to the local environment, the post also offers fairly simple solutions to help mitigate the transport of these invasive organisms without missing out on popular forms of recreation.
“Live fishing bait itself isn’t a problem. Nobody is too worried about bait worms wriggling off hooks and taking over watering holes. However, store-bought bait can come from hundreds of miles away. Many bait worms come from New England, where they’re packed in “wormweed,” algae that keep them moist and alive for journeys on refrigerated trucks and shipped express all over the U.S. The same wormweed also harbors small creatures like juvenile shellfish, crabs, snails, and other worms that can invade new ecosystems… If you use store-bought baitworms preserved in wormweed for fishing, throw the unused bait and algae away in a trash can” (Goodhue, 2007)
“In recent decades, conservation experts studying insect invasions have identified a potent carrier: firewood. Anyone who has dealt with termites knows insects can make a home almost anywhere, and happily. Emerald ash borer and gypsy moth infestations both spread through firewood, and they can decimate forests… Buy firewood within 50 miles of your campsite, or buy heat-treated firewood from a firewood manufacturer that kills anything living within” (Goodhue, 2007)
“Taking the car to see the extended family or visit Disneyland could bring along some uninvited guests. Fruit, vegetable, and nut production are big businesses for states like California, Florida, Arizona, Louisiana, and Texas. Bringing outside produce into these states can introduce diseases and pests… When road tripping, leave the local, noncommercial fruit and nuts behind. If you try to bring produce across state lines (especially in the states listed above), know that it might be confiscated” (Goodhue, 2007)
“No joke, even walking the dog can spread invasive species. Scientists have identified wavy-leaf basket grass, a non-native species originating in Asia, as a possible invader, with a number of traits that could lead to its uncontrolled spread. For now, it has been spotted in a few Atlantic states but hasn’t become a major problem. Its seeds, numerous and covered with a sticky goo, can easily cling to animal fur… Keep your dog on well-marked trails, clean up after them, and clean their coats before they get in the car and bring the invaders to another location” (Goodhue, 2007)
Review
Without any ill intention, it turns out many common recreational activities can impact the surrounding ecosystem if you are not careful. A key takeaway is to be mindful of any activity that includes the transport of organic material or heavy interaction with local nature. Whether it’s accidentally bringing microorganisms to a new body of water by using store bought fishing worms, or forgetting to brush the sticky seeds off of your dog after a hike, there are a multitude of ways for potentially invasive species to spread from one area to another with you as the vector. A big question that envelopes this mindset is how to get the word out so that everyone can be mindful in this regard. While everyone can do their part by themselves, people can do their best to inform their friends and family while they are out to make sure as many people as possible are on the same page. Social messaging and advertising are important as well, and hopefully we will soon see an effective campaign that highlights and informs on the dangers of invasive species spread.
References
Goodhue, K. (2017, June 15). Five summer activities that can spread invasive species. Shorelines. https://sercblog.si.edu/five-summer-activities-that-can-spread-invasive-species/
