Do you remember back when there were no invasive species in the waters off Delta County. In those years, beaches were not littered with the shells of zebra mussels — the first invasive species to arrive here. Today, they are a common site on beaches throughout the area.

It’s not uncommon now to toss a line in and find a goby at the end of the line rather than a perch or bluegill. The round goby is another unwelcome invasive that is now common in local waters.

In a few short decades, a few species of creatures have changed our ecosystem for the foreseeable future.

If you listen to the experts, there are more out there. There is something we can all do — keep our eyes open for invasive species.

The state has a program called the Michigan Invasive Species Program where the public can report if they have spotted aquatic invasive species. Early detection of new or emerging invasive species, like those on Michigan’s Watch List, greatly improves chances to slow their spread or possibly eradicate a populations.

There are 18 aquatic invasive species on Michigan’s Watch List identified as posing a threat to Michigan’s economy, environment or human health. These species have either never been confirmed in the wild in Michigan or have a limited known distribution. The list includes 10 aquatic plants, five fish, two crayfish and the New Zealand mudsnail.

Populations of watch list aquatic species, including yellow floating heart, water lettuce, parrot feather and red swamp crayfish have been detected in Michigan through reports from people just like you who noticed something unusual in the water, took photographs and reported what they found.

Information about watch list species, including identifying characteristics, photos and illustrations, can be found on the Watch List webpage.

Sightings of aquatic plants on the watch list can be reported year-round to EGLE’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program. All watch list species can be reported through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network’s website or smartphone app, found at MISIN.MSU.edu.

Join the Bioblitz June 28-July 6

To encourage public involvement in reporting aquatic invasive species, the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) is hosting its first-ever statewide aquatic invasive species BioBlitz from June 28 – July 6, 2025.

Volunteers are asked to use the iNaturalist app to document suspected aquatic invasive plants and animals across Michigan’s lakes, rivers, wetlands and streams. Boaters, paddlers, anglers, nature lovers and anyone interested in contributing to invasive species early detection can simply snap photos of aquatic species they encounter. The MiCorps team of experts, along with the iNaturalist user community, can help with identification.

How to get involved:

Join the project – Visit the MiCorps website or find the MiCorps AIS Detection BioBlitz on iNaturalist.

Snap & upload – Upload photos of aquatic species while enjoying Michigan’s waters.

Contribute to science – Your observations help experts monitor and manage invasive species.

All confirmed reports of aquatic invasive species will be communicated to EGLE and MISIN by MiCorps staff.

Reports of watch list species are investigated by the Michigan Invasive Species Program, a joint effort of the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources. When a report is confirmed as positive, staff assess the risk posed by the invading species, review response options and, if feasible, plan and implement a response.

For aquatic invasive plants, responses are tailored to the situation.

To date, 11 populations of aquatic invasive plants on the watch list have been eradicated. Several additional locations are nearing eradication status, as regrowth hasn’t been observed for consecutive years following treatment.

Remember to do your part to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Follow state law by taking these steps at the launch site after trailering boats, and before getting on the road:

Ensure that the watercraft, trailer and any conveyance used to transport them are free of aquatic organisms, including plants.

Remove all drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells.

If possible, allow boats, trailers and gear to dry in the sun for 5 to 7 days or wash with a pressure washer or chemical disinfectant or dry surfaces with a towel to prevent the spread of hard-to-see zebra mussel larvae, New Zealand mudsnails and didymo cells.