spiny waterfleas/L Vermilion

[Lee Borgersen]

  Invasive spiny waterfleas found in Lake Vermilion
 
 Today 7/20/15









  ...
Spiny waterfleas have been confirmed in Lake Vermilion near Tower and Cook, and the lake has been designated as infested waters, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced Monday.

 

 


  more......
Anglers reported suspected spiny waterfleas to DNR staff and supplied a specimen to the DNR fisheries office in Tower, where it was positively identified, according to the agency. DNR aquatic biologists surveyed portions of the lake with plankton nets to confirm the presence of spiny waterfleas in the lake. Live specimens were located near JB and Ely islands in the east basin, DNR officials said.

Signs will be posted at public water access points to alert boaters and other recreationists that Lake Vermilion has been designated as infested waters. Crane Lake, a downstream water, is already designated for spiny waterfleas.


"DNR staff are coordinating with the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and U.S. Forest Service to alert boaters and other recreationists of the risk of spread," said Rich Rezanka, DNR aquatic biologist.

The spiny waterflea is a small crustacean that disrupts the food web and competes with small fish as it forages on animal plankton such as daphnia. Because of its long tail spike, the spiny waterflea is not eaten by small fish. When spiny waterflea populations are high, anglers can experience frustration with masses of them clogging fishing and downrigging lines.

Anglers, boaters and other recreationists are reminded to clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited invasive species from watercraft and trailers, drain water from all water equipment and drain bilges and live wells by removing the drain plug before leaving the boat landing, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.


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