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- Environmental Services
- Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
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Aquatic invasive species are plants, animals, and microbes that have been introduced into new ecosystems and have environmental, recreational, economic or health impacts. These invasives compete with native species and can damage ecosytem health leading in fish die offs, decreased property values, and degraded water quality. Anglers and boaters may unknowingly introduce invasive species into new waters, including Pushaw Lake at the Goulds Landing boat launch. If people are the cause, they can also be the cure. Take these simple steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Arrive Clean. Leave Clean.
Many boaters and anglers take their boats onto many different lakes throughout the season. Please be sure to inspect, clean, and dry your boat and equipment (waders, decoys, traps, etc.) thoroughly before leaving and entering any body of water.
Before entering or leaving a waterbody, you must:
✓ INSPECT boats, trailers, equipment and anchors
✓ REMOVE plants, animals and mud
✓ DRAIN livewells, bilges, and coolers with your catch (Do not dump unused bait into water!)
✓ NEVER MOVE live fish or water
✓ DRY everything for at least 5 days before entering new water
Know How To Identify Common Invasives
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has great resources to learn how to identify invasive aquatic species in Maine and where impacted lakes are located.