WI, MI MN launch campaign to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species

MADISON - Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota share many of the same boaters and anglers - now they're sharing the same message to help protect their iconic waters from aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian water-milfoil, zebra mussels and spiny water fleas.

The states are teaming up on a new public service campaign to help carry a consistent message encouraging boaters and anglers to take steps to avoid accidentally spreading zebra mussels, spiny water fleas and other invasive aquatic species when they travel among states.

A 30-second television spot began airing May 19 on fishing shows across the region. The spot is available on WIDNRTV, Wisconsin's YouTube channel, and on Minnesota DNR, and also is embedded on the agencies'

web pages and shared by a network of partner groups across the states.

The prevention requirements are slightly different across the three states, and the AIS laws for each state are available online.

Wisconsin's prevention rules
Michigan's prevention rules
Minnesota's prevention rules

Michigan's Wyant says that by taking a few minutes to clean boats, trailers, and other fishing equipment and drain water from their boat and fishing equipment, "we can all help keep our Great Lakes healthy and protect our inland waters."

Genetic Analysis reveals fish eggs found in Upper Mississippi not Asian Carp

Scientists have extracted DNA from fish eggs found in northern sections of the Upper Mississippi River and have determined that the eggs and larvae are not from Asian carp. Genetic analysis instead shows that the fish eggs collected in the summer of 2013 likely belong to a native North American species in the same family as carp. All Asian carp species are considered invasive species and belong to the cyprinid fish family.

To confirm visual identification of the eggs� species, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey genetically tested 41 of the 65 eggs and larvae that were collected from the Upper Mississippi River (Pool 9 and Pool 11) in Wisconsin and Iowa. DNA sequences successfully obtained from 17 eggs revealed that they were similar to those of other cyprinid fishes and did not come from Asian carp. The one exception was an egg collected from Pool 19 in southern Iowa, which had been visually identified as an Asian carp, and was later genetically confirmed by the USGS as a grass carp, one of the four Asian carp species.

�What we have learned from this research is that non-Asian carp cyprinid eggs in the northern portions of the Upper Mississippi can closely resemble Asian carp eggs in size and shape,� said Leon Carl, USGS Midwest Region Director. �These findings underscore the importance of using genetic testing to confirm the results of visual identification.�

Researchers were surprised to learn that the large eggs from Pools 9 and 11 belonged to other species in the

cyprinid family rather than to Asian carp species. Such findings are contrary to previously published work that had established that non-Asian carp cyprinids indigenous to the Midwest have considerably smaller eggs compared to the invasive carp that were the focus of the study.

Detailed visual analysis of the eggs� size and shape earlier this year indicated that they were consistent with the eggs of Asian carp species and led scientists to believe that invasive carp may have successfully spawned in this northern portion of the Upper Mississippi. Given the seriousness of the Asian carp spread northward, USGS scientists alerted partners and the general public about that potential in March and decided to pursue genetic testing to confirm the visual findings.

Scientists emphasized that the recent genetic data will modify their application of visual identification methods to distinguish fish eggs and larvae collected in the Upper Mississippi River. The difficulty USGS scientists had in genetically testing the eggs suggests that researchers and managers studying or monitoring Asian carp reproduction in North America should consider separately preserving, for genetic analysis, a subset of collected embryos to confirm visual identification.

USGS researchers will continue efforts to gain a better understanding of how egg size, location of eggs within the river and flow conditions may help to identify those habitats important to reproduction of native and non-native cyprinids including Asian carp. Understanding habitat requirements will assist in the development of methods to control invasive Asian carp.

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for May 23

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Temperatures throughout most of the Great Lakes basin were significantly below average last weekend. During the workweek, the basin warmed, and by Wednesday, most of the region was enjoying temperatures that were around 10 degrees above average. In addition, significant precipitation fell in many areas of the Great Lakes basin in the past 7 days, most notably in the Lake Ontario sub-basin. Lake Ontario has already received more precipitation than it historically receives in May. This weekend, temperatures will range from average to above average throughout the Great Lakes basin, and much of the region is expected to see precipitation on Friday or Monday.

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St. Clair and Erie are all 13 inches above what their levels were this time last year. Lake Ontario is 12 inches above its level of a year ago. Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron and St. Clair are predicted to climb 5, 3 and 1 inches respectively over the next 30 days. Lake Erie is expected to remain at its same level over the next month. Lake Ontario is projected to fall 2 inches. See our Daily Levels web page for more water level information.

FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS

Lake Superior�s outflow through the St. Mary�s River is

forecasted to be above average for the month of May. Lake Michigan-Huron�s outflow into the St. Clair River is predicted to be below average, while Lake St. Clair�s outflow into the Detroit River is expected to be near average. In addition, the outflow of Lake Erie into the Niagara River and Lake Ontario�s outflow into the St. Lawrence River are projected to be near average in May.

ALERTS

Official records are based on monthly average water levels and not daily water levels. Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels. Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings. Ice information can be found at the National Ice Center�s website.

	Superior	Mich-Huron	St. Clair	Erie	Ontario
Level for May 23	602.13	578.41	574.74	572.18	246.69
Datum, in ft	601.10	577.50	572.30	569.20	243.30
Diff in inches	+12	+11	+29	+36	+41
Diff last month	+9	+7	+8	+6	+9
Diff from last yr	+13	+13	+13	+13	+12

DNR asks for help to make '14 safest boating season in 50 years
SPRINGFIELD, IL � Fifty years ago, Illinois began keeping boat accident statistics, and Illinois DNR Director Marc Miller is asking the public to help make the 2014 boating season one to remember, for being the safest since accident statistics first were recorded in 1964.

The IDNR is also launching a radio ad campaign throughout the state in both English and Spanish designed to remind everyone to �WEAR IT, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!� - the theme for National Safe Boating Week, which runs the May 17-23, 2014.

While a variety of factors contribute to the fluctuation in the number of boating accidents, including weather and water levels, public education and preparedness remains top reasons why accidents and fatalities have dropped significantly on Illinois waters since the mid-1990s.

�We have come a long way in 50 years in improving safety with boating education and tougher laws, but we can still do better. Take a boating safety class, always wear your life jacket, and never drink before or while operating a boat,� said IDNR Director Miller. �With a little preparation and common sense, together we can make this boating season the safest in 50 years.�

In 2001, Illinois saw the fewest boating fatalities in recorded history with eight. In 2013, 50 people were injured and 14 people lost their lives as a result of 65

reported boating accidents on Illinois waters. Illinois has seen the number of fatalities drop from an average of 46 per year in the 1960s to 19 per year since 2000. Much of the drop in the number of fatalities can be attributed to tougher laws and the availability of safety education classes.

State law requires that anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft under 26 feet in length at all times the boat is underway, unless they are below deck in an enclosed cabin or operating on private property. Illinois law also requires persons of any age to wear a PFD while operating a personal watercraft or jet ski.

Among the primary causes of boating accidents are operator inattention, alcohol use, careless/reckless operation, and operator inexperience. The IDNR offers free boating safety courses providing a review of boating laws and regulations and instruction on safe and attentive operation of watercraft.

State law requires boating safety education for persons ages 12 - 17 to operate a motor boat, and encourages boaters of all ages to take a safety course. Safety courses, taught by volunteer instructors, are available throughout Illinois and available by calling 800/832-2599 or by checking the IDNR website�s at: www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety/Pages/BoatingSafety.aspx. Online boat safety courses are also available for a fee charged by the course operator.

Public Meeting to discuss proposed changes to Pine Creek

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced it will host a public meeting on Thursday, June 5, in Waterville to discuss potential regulatory changes on a section of Pine Creek in Lycoming County. The meeting will be held from 6 � 8 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources� Tiadaghton Resource Management Center, 10 Lower Pine Bottom Road, Waterville, PA 17776-9678.

PFBC Fisheries Management staff will discuss a potential change to the regulations which would extend the current 1.2 mile delayed harvest, artificial lures only (DHALO) section downstream of Slate Run an additional 1.6 miles to Bonnell Run.The 1.6 mile reach is currently managed as an approved trout water open to year-round fishing. Waters with this designation are open to fishing from March 1 through the opening day of trout season on a catch and release basis, with no trout allowed to be taken or possessed.

Standard approved trout waters regulations apply for the remainder of the year as follows: from 8 a.m. on the opening day of trout season through Labor Day, anglers can keep five fish per day and can use all tackle, including natural bait. From January 1 through the last day of February, and from the day after Labor Day through December 31, �extended season� size and creel limits for trout apply.

Under DHALO regulations, fishing is permitted year-round, but no trout may be harvested prior to June 15. From June 15 to sunset on Labor Day, anglers can keep three trout per day and the fish must be at least nine inches. Tackle is limited to artificial lures and flies.

After reviewing the public comments, staff will provide a recommendation on the proposal to the Board of Commissioners for consideration at an upcoming quarterly meeting.

Walleye bag limits to increase on 447 northern lakes

MADISON - Daily walleye bag limits will increase May 23 on 447 lakes in northern Wisconsin in time for the long Memorial Day weekend.

"Having increased bag limits on these lakes is good news for anglers heading north to enjoy the long weekend fishing, hoping to take fish home," said Department of Natural Resources Secretary, Cathy Stepp. "As anglers enjoy the season, we will continue to focus on long-term efforts that will yield less fluctuation and more consistency with bag limits from the start while still effectively managing and protecting the resource for all to enjoy."

Find tips on fishing for walleye by checking out the 2014 Wisconsin Fishing Report's fishing forecasts.

Anglers' daily bag limit for walleye will increase to five per day on 269 lakes, to three per day on 171 lakes, and to two walleye per day on seven lakes, according to Ron Bruch, DNR Fisheries Bureau Director. "This is a great time of year to fish for walleye," said Bruch. "With spring just arriving, taking ice off the lakes, and with the walleye done spawning, anglers should find hungry fish ready to bite."

Anglers should consult the 2014-2015 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations, signs at

boat landings, and the 2014-2015 Revised Ceded Territory Walleye Bag Limits for lake-specific information.

Additionally, anglers can now have fishing regulations and other essential information at their fingertips by downloading the free Wisconsin Fish & Wildlife mobile app. Bag limit and other regulation changes are automatically updated to the mobile app to give anglers the most accurate information when and where they need it. Together, the six Chippewa bands harvested 27,433 walleye and 201 musky as of May 22, 2014. The average harvest of walleye since 2004 is 29,907.

As part of a 1983 Federal Appellate Court decision affirming Chippewa off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering rights, the six bands of Wisconsin Chippewa set annual harvest quotas for off-reservation lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory. To ensure combined tribal and recreational angler harvest does not exceed a sustainable level, the state reduces recreational bag limits in lakes declared for harvest by the Chippewa bands. An administrative rule passed by the state Natural Resources Board in 1998 allows the department to adjust initial bag limits annually to reflect actual spring spearing harvests.

For more information on Wisconsin fishing, please visit dnr.wi.gov, search keyword "fishing."

First State Record Fish For 2014

Walleye bag limits to increase on 447 northern lakes

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