Aquatic Nuisance Species

Thank you for being concerned about Alabama's fisheries resources.

Only you can help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

• Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.
• Eliminate water from equipment before transporting.
• Clean and dry anything that came in contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.).
• It is illegal to release bait or stock fish or other aquatic organisms in Alabama without a specific permit. 
  
  Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.  Use aquatic baits already present in the waters.  Possession or distribution of some plants is illegal.

Anglers and boaters need to do what they can to prevent the spread of nuisance aquatic species.

Asian Carp

• Introduced aquatic species may reduce game fish populations.

• Introduced aquatic species may eliminate native species.  Numerous species listed as endangered or threatened by the federal government have declined because of competetion or predation from introduced species. 

• Introduced aquatic species may ruin boat engines and jam steering equipment.

• Introduced aquatic species may make lakes and rivers unusable by boaters and swimmers.

• Introduced aquatic species may increase the cost of drinking water, power production, and industrial processes.

• Introduced aquatic species may degrade ecosystems.

• Introduced aquatic species may affect human health.

• Introduced aquatic species may reduce property values.

• Introduced aquatic species may affect local economies.