Invasive brittle naiad found in Missouri River backwaters; waterfowlers should be vigilant

Waterfowl hunters are urged to be cautious to help prevent the spread of damaging aquatic invasive species this fall.

Brittle naiad, a highly invasive aquatic weed, recently was found in the Missouri River backwaters near Niobrara and the Bazile Creek Wildlife Management Area.

This aquatic plant forms dense mats in the water and heavily impedes water recreation, including fishing, boating and waterfowl hunting. Brittle naiad spreads by both seed and fragmentation. It has a bushy appearance with small tooth-like serrations present on its leaves and often has a light green to green-brown appearance.

“Brittle naiad has several characteristics that make it extremely invasive,” said Kristopher Stahr, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s aquatic invasive species program manager. “It grows quickly, spreads very easily by seeds and fragments, and can be difficult to control. We need the public’s help to stop the spread of this species, particularly waterfowl hunters.”

Because new plants can grow from just small pieces that have broken from an existing plant, extreme caution should be taken when moving between water bodies. All water recreationalists should remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft and gear every time they leave the water:

• Clean your watercraft, trailer, angling/hunting gear and other equipment. Remove all aquatic vegetation and animal species from your equipment.
• Drain your watercraft at the ramp by removing the boat plug and draining all live wells and ballast tanks.
• Dry your watercraft, trailer and other equipment for at least seven days before visiting another water body.

Besides brittle naiad, zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and other aquatic invasive species can “hitchhike” on hunting gear and be spread by droplets of water or even tiny plant fragments. Once spread, aquatic invasive species cause irreparable harm to aquatic ecosystems and waterfowl habitat, severely impeding hunting, fishing and boating for future generations.

Visit cleandraindry.org/ for more details on the Clean, Drain, Dry Procedure and OutdoorNebraska.gov/aquatic-invasive-species for information about invasive species in Nebraska.

The public is encouraged to report any suspected observations of aquatic invasive species to Game and Parks at 402-471-7602 or at [email protected].