# OKLAHOMA
AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES

MANAGEMENT PLAN

Zebra Mussels White Perch

Golden Alga Hydrilla3 

### TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents..................

.................... .................. .................. .................. ............... 3

Executive Summary...............

................ ................ ............... ................ ............... ............ 4

Introduction................

.................. .................. ................ ................ ................ ............... ....6

Problem Definition.........

.................. .................. ............... ................ ................ ..............10

Goals..............

.................. .................. .................. .................. .................. .................. ....23

Existing Authorities and Programs........

................ ............... ................ ............... ...........24

Objectives, Strategies, Actions & Cost Estimates...

................ ............... ............. ...........32

Objective 1: Coordinate and implement a comprehen sive management plan..........32 Objective 2: Prevent the introduction of new ANS into Oklahoma.......

............. ........35 Objective 3: Detect, monitor, and eradicate ANS................

............. .............. ...........38 Objective 4: Control & eradicate established ANS that have significant impacts.....40 Objective 5: Educate resource user groups...........

.................. .................. ...............43 Objective 6: Conduct/support research

................... .................. .................. ..............45

Priorities for Action.........

.................. ............... ................ ................ ................ ................ 48

Implementation Table............

................ ................ ............... ................ ............... ...........50

Program Monitoring..............

................ ............... ................ ............... ................ ............55

Glossary..............

.................. .................. .................. .................. .................. ............... ..56

Literature Cited.............

.................. .................. ............... ................ ................ ............... 58

Appendices............

................ .................. .................. .................. .................. ................. 61

Appendix A: List of non-i ndigenous and transplanted spec ies in Oklahoma.......61 Appendix B: ANS Steering Committee and Tec hnical Advisors........

............ ......63 Appendix C: Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan.......................................67 Appendix D: Acronyms Defined.....

.................. .................. .................. ................79 Appendix E: Pub lic Comments................................................................804 

### A. Executive Summary

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) pose signif icant ecological a nd socio-economic threats to aquatic ecosystems in Oklahoma. Zebra mussels, golden alga, white perch, hydrilla, among others, have al ready become established in Oklahoma aquatic systems. While their initial impacts hav e been limited and localized, ther e is little doubt that these and other ANS pose a serious threat to t he aquatic resources, and potentially the economy, of the Stat e of Oklahoma.

The importance of the State’s aquatic res ources requires a coher ent and integrated response to the threat posed by ANS. Using guidance from th e National ANS Task Force and other accepted state agency plans such as Kansas, Illinois, Iowa and Oregon, this management plan was devel oped to establish management actions to address the prevention, contro l, and effects of non-indigenous aquatic nuisance species that have invaded or may invade Oklahoma waters. The Oklahoma Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan serves as the init ial step in establishing a program to specifically address ANS issues in Oklahoma.

The development of a state ANS management plan, as called for in Section 1204 of the Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevent ion and Control Act (NANPCA) of 1990, provides an opportunity for federal cost-share support for implementation of the plan. NANPCA, reauthorized in 1996 as the National Invasive S pecies Act (NISA), specifies that state plans ident ify feasible, cost-effective m anagement practices and measures that can be implemented by t he state to prevent and contro l ANS infestations in an environmentally sound manner. The goal of the Oklahoma AN S Management Plan is

to: Minimize the harmful ecological, econom ic, and social impact of ANS through prevention and management of introduction, population growth, and dispersal of ANS into, within, and from Oklahoma

.

The goal will be met by implementing a set of objectives as follows:

1. Coordinate and implement a comprehensive management plan;

2. Prevent the introduction of new ANS into Oklahoma;

3. Detect, monitor, and eradicate ANS;

4. Control and eradicate establishe d ANS that have significant impacts;

5. Educate resource user groups about the risks and impacts of ANS and how to reduce the harmful impacts;

6. Conduct/support research to determi ne risks associated with pathways of introduction/spread; environmental conditi ons favorable for establishment of ANS; interactions with native specie s; and cost-effectiv e and environmentally

safe control/eradication measures.5 Included in this plan are discussions of existing problems; a summary of federal, regional, and state policy; a list of non-indigenous species kn own to exist in Oklahoma; identification of existing pr iority ANS; and a discussion of regional ANS that pose a

threat to Oklahoma’s aquatic ecosystems.

To ensure that the goals of this plan are being effectively addressed a procedure for monitoring and evaluating the impl ementation of strategies and tasks will be initiated.

This evaluation will focus on the feasib ility and cost-effectiveness of management activities. The plan is a working docum ent and will be peri odically updated and expanded based upon the experi ence gained from implementat ion, scientific research, and new tools as they become available.

The effort to develop a state ANS m anagement plan was led by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in conjunction with personnel from other government agencies and private organizations (Appendix B). Public comments were solicited from local governm ents, regional entities, public and private organizations, and resource user groups that have expertise and interest in t he control of AN S. Comments were considered, and revisions have been made to the plan.6 

### B. Introduction

Non-native invasive species, or for the purpose of this document, aquatic nuisance species (ANS), threaten the ec ological integrity of aquati c systems worldwide. These invaders displace native species, disrupt ec ological processes, upset the stability of ecosystems, and can irreversibly change natural landscapes. In addition to the ecological damage caused by ANS, the burden to local, state, and feder al economies can be staggering. State and local governm ents spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually to control ANS. It is estimated th at ANS cost the U.S. economy $137 billion annually (Pimentel et al. 2000).

Recognizing the ecological and economic threats pos ed by ANS, the federal government passed the Non-i ndigenous Aquatic Nuisance Pr evention and Control Act (NANPCA) in 1990. This legislation provided a funding mechanism for states to address ANS issues. This legislation wa s expanded with passage of the National Invasive Species Act (NISA) in 1996. NISA specifies that st ate plans identify feasible, cost-effective management strategies to prevent introductions of and control the spread

of ANS in an environm entally sound manner. For Oklahom a to be eligible for federal cost-share funds to combat ANS, a st ate-wide ANS management plan must be approved by the Federal ANS Task Force established under NISA.

Oklahoma’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP; State Wildlife Grant T-2-P-1) identifies exotic and invasive species as one of five priority issues that threaten the conservation of Oklahoma’s wildlife resources. Specific issues within SWAP that identify ANS as

threats include:

 water diversion projects, particularly in ter-basin transfers, that can serve as pathways for the spread of ANS;

 nutrient runoff from fertilizers and confi ned animal feeding operations degrade water quality and destabilize aqu atic systems which increas es the potential for establishment of non-native species;

 establishment of ANS des tabilizes aquatic systems oft en resulting in decreased biodiversity and threatens populations of “s pecies of greatest conservation need”;

 movement of species outside their nat ive range by the public, i.e., bait bucket releases, were likely the cause of es tablishment of the Red river shiner Notropis

bairdi becoming established in the Cimarron River and the Red river pupfish Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis becoming established in the Canadian River;

 zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha and Asian carp are potent ial threats to native mussel populations.

Action plans identified in SWAP to deal with these threats include:

 develop an invasive species management plan;

 survey aquatic systems to determine distribution of ANS;

 remove non-native plants from wetlands and restore native plant communities;

 develop cost-share or incentive progr ams for private landowners to encourage control of ANS on private property;7  educate the public on ANS issues and ro les that the public plays in preventing introductions and controlling the spread of ANS.

Development of this plan is partially fund ed through a SWAP grant (T-44-P-1) to the Oklahoma Department of Wild life Conservation (ODWC).

The northeast quadrant of Oklahoma is the r egion of the state currently most impacted by ANS (Figure 1). Zebra mussels have mo ved up the McClellen-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation system, most likely via barge tr affic from the Mississippi River and are progressing down the Arkansas River via na tural movement from El Dorado Reservoir in Kansas. Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis have been found in Grand Lake

and in the Neosho River above Grand Lake. Bighead carp hav e also been verified from

the Red River below Lake Texoma and from the Kiamichi River below Hugo Lake. White perch Morone americana have moved downstream from Cheney Reservoir in Kansas and are currently found in Kaw and Keystone Reservoirs. They will likely continue to move downstream throughout t he Arkansas River system. Golden alga Prymnesium parvum has caused fish kills in Lake Texoma and Altus City Lake. Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata has recently been found in Arbuckl e, Murray, and Sooner Reservoirs, likely as a result of movements via recr eational boaters. The exotic zooplankton Daphnia lumholzi has been found in 18 Oklahoma reservoirs. Strategies to contain these and other ANS species infesting Oklahoma waters, as well as strategies to prevent the introduction of ANS not current ly found in Oklahoma will be addressed in this plan.

Figure 1. Current known distribution of selected ANS in Oklahoma, July 2007.

To prevent the spread of ANS into, or out of Oklahoma, strategies that are cohesive with those of neighboring states are vital. The Arkansas River runs through both8 Kansas and Oklahoma and has served as a pathway for the introduction of ANS. Lake Texoma is shared by Oklahom a and Texas and has experienced fish kills due to golden alga. Grand Lake in the northeastern cor ner of Oklahoma is a popular fishing

destination connected to Missouri via the El k River. Kansas has an approved state ANS management plan and Missouri and Texas both have plans drafted. Texas has also produced a state plan fo r the management of golden alga in public waters. The strategies in these documents were consider ed and incorporated wher e relevant in this management plan. A common goal of Oklahoma and its bordering states is to establish working partnerships with ANS management programs in regional states to facilitate the sharing of data and coordinat ion of management activities. Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas all support the 100 th Meridian Initiative, and parti cipate in the Western and Mississippi River Basin Panels of the A quatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Participation in these forums will help to faci litate development of a coordinated network among state agencies to document, evaluate, and monitor effects of invasive species on the economy, the envir onment, and human health.

As per Rendall (1997), ANS management plans need to cons ider the following points when developing strategies to control invasive species:

 many pathways exist for the introduction and spread of ANS, most of which are related to human activity; new specie s are continually introduced via these pathways;

 introductions have many associated costs, i.e., control and m anagement costs, longterm ecosystem changes, loss of recreational opportunities;

 once ANS become established, few, if any, acceptable control measures are available; control measures are ve ry expensive and eradication unlikely;

 prevention is the best course of action with comprehensiv e management plans, education programs, and regulat ions offering the best chances of containment.

These points have provided guidance in drafti ng the strategies aimed at prevention and

control of ANS in Oklahom a’s aquatic ecosystems.

The intended outcomes of this plan include:

 identifying species of greatest concern, whether currently present in Oklahoma waters or likely to invade in the future;

 create sufficient funding and personnel to support the plan;

 identify gaps in distribution data to focus survey efforts to best determine current distribution patterns;

 identify pathways for spread of invasi ves outward from current locations;

 identify shortcomings in cu rrent statutes aimed at pr eventing introductions of ANS not currently in Oklahoma and movem ent of ANS to uni nfested systems;

 recommend language to lawmakers on how to strengthen said regulations;

 develop public outreach strategies to raise public awareness of ANS issues and the role of aquatic resource users in preventing their introduction and spread;

 create a framework for coordination of AN S activities among feder al, state and local government, private industr y, non-governmental or ganizations, and the public.9 The ODWC was the lead agency in drafting th is plan. Members of the Zebra Mussel Task Force (ZMTF), an interagency coordinati on group established shortly after zebra mussels were found in Oklahoma (1993) and t he ANS Plant Task Force (PTF) reviewed drafts of the plan. Staffs from the office of the Stat e Secretary of the Interior, representatives from stat e agencies with regulatory author ity over ANS issues and

academics from state universitie s with expertise in ANS were involved in the review process. A complete list of individuals a nd their respective agencies are included in Appendix B. Publ ic comments were solicited from loca l governments, private industry, public and private organizati ons, and resource user gr oups. All comments were considered and incorporated where appropriate. A summary of these comments is included in Appendix E.

To effectively manage ANS, a definition must first be established to help focus resources aimed at control and management of individual species. Oklahoma will use the definition for invasive spec ies, or for the purpos e of this report, ANS, outlined in Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species, signed by President Cli nton on February 3,

1999. The Order states that an “invasive species” is one that is non-native to the affected ecosystem and whose introduction c auses or is likely to cause economic or

environmental harm or harm to hum an health. As per this defin ition, not all non-native species are considered ANS. ODWC uses non-native species, such as striped bass

Morone saxatilis and walleye Sander vitreum and their hybrids in its management programs. These species have created ec onomically valuable fisheries with no measurable negative affects on reservoir ecosystems.10 

### C. Problem Definition

Non-indigenous Aquatic Animals

A draft list of non-indigenous aquatic animals in Oklahoma is included in Appendix A and is based on existing data. As such, the list is likely incomple te as information on

such animals in Oklahoma is limited. A discussion of ANS species considered of special concern in Oklahoma follows.

Asian Carp: The life history traits of Asian carps (e.g., reproductive capability, population densities, feeding habi ts, broad climate tolerance, mobility, and longevity) indicate that they have a high probability of causing ecol ogical and economic effects where populations become established (Mandr ak and Cudmore 2004; Kolar et al. 2005; Nico et al. 2005). In some locations of the Mississippi River Basin, such effects have occurred. Natural resources managers are c oncerned that the four species of Asian carp have the potential to cause extensiv e and irreversible changes to the aquatic environment, thereby jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of native aquatic species, particularly to imperiled, threatened, and endangered species. Confounding this

situation is the fact that t he bighead carp has been cultured and sold as a live food fish product since the early 1980s, grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella have been stocked nationally by public and private entities since the late 1960s as a biological control for aquatic weeds (grass carp are also cultured and sold as a live food fish product), and the black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus has been used since the early 1980s as a biological control for pest snails in commercial aquaculture production ponds.

Small silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and bighead carp resemble gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum . Cast-netting for bait in tailwat ers below some major reservoirs in Oklahoma has the potential to introduce As ian carp into some of the premier sport fishing lakes in the state. Anglers routinely cast net for bait below the Dennison Dam at

Lake Texoma and use the bait to fish for stri ped bass or catfish in Lake Texoma. Asian carp can be accidentally introduced into the lake through this practice. Bighead and silver carp have reproductive requirements sim ilar to those of striped bass. There is a real potential to establish a reproducing population of Asian carp in Lake Texoma which could be devastating to the striped bass fishery and paddlefish Polyodon spathula recovery efforts.

Grass Carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ): Grass carp are native to large rivers in Asia, ranging from the Amur River in China and Siberia south to the West River in China and Thailand. As a food fish, the species has been cultured nearly worldwide. The diploid grass carp has been used for biological cont rol of aquatic plants. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate its potenti al for reproduction, feeding preferences, stocking rates, and impacts on other aquat ic resources (Smith and Shireman 1983). However, the potential of the diploid gra ss carp to naturally reproduce caused considerable controversy over its use as a biolog ical control agent. This eventually led to the production of sterile, triploid grass carp which most states allow to be used for the control of aquatic plants, at least for experimental purposes. Through the use of grass carp to control excessive aquatic vegetation, they have been legally introduced into at least 35 states, including Oklahoma. Diploid grass carp stocking for control of aquatic11 vegetation in private waters was legalized in Oklahoma in the early 1980's. Currently grass carp are available for purchase for private use through a number of commercial fish producers in the state. The Oklaho ma Department of W ildlife Conservation currently uses grass carp on its four fish hat cheries for control of aquatic vegetation in culture ponds. Grass carp orient to flow and will quickly leave ponds when water is flowing over the spillway. Today grass carp can be found in most reservoirs in Oklahoma and reproduction of grass carp has been verified in Lake Texoma by ODWC biologists and the University of Oklahoma (Hargrave and Gido 2004). The ability of grass carp to consume vegetation and r eproduce in state waters gives them the potential to significantly impact, if not tota lly eradicate, benefic ial aquatic plants. Without protective and escape cover, sm all species of fish and young game fish

abundances would decline. Their distribution throughout the state makes grass carp a significant threat that warrants attention.

Bighead carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ): The bighead carp is a large-bodied planktivore endemic to eastern China. In 1973, an aquaculturist introduced bighead carp into Arkansas in an attempt to improv e water quality in production ponds (Freeze and Henderson 1982). In 1974, regulations were mandated to restrict bighead carp stocking into public waters of Arkansas to reduce the probability of accidental introductions. Despite these regulati ons, bighead carp escaped from aquaculture facilities and subsequently dispersed into nineteen states. The bighead carp has been observed in Oklahoma below Hugo dam in t he Kiamichi River, below Denison Dam on the Red River, and in the Neosho River in and above Grand Lake (Pigg et al. 1993; Pigg et al. 1997). This species is currently not in sufficient numbers to cause harm, but this situation could change as bighead ca rp become more widespread in Oklahoma.

Silver carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ): Silver carp were imported and stocked for phytoplankton control in eut rophic water bodies and also as a food fish. They were first brought into the United St ates in 1973 when a privat e fish farmer imported them into Arkansas. By 1980 the species was disc overed in natural waters, probably a result of escapes from fish hatcheries and other ty pes of aquaculture facilities (Freeze and Henderson 1982). In numbers, the silver carp has the potential to cause enormous damage to native species because it feeds on plankton required by larval fish and native mussels. Population densities in the Mississippi River have exploded and native fish species have been displaced. Presentl y, silver carp have been recorded in 12 states including Oklahoma (Benson et al. 2001). Although they have been found in Oklahoma, silver carp do not appear to be c ausing any severe problems at this point. This situation could change as silver carp be come more widespread. Monitoring of this species will be needed.

Black carp ( Mylopharyngodon piceus ): The black carp is a large river fish native to Pacific drainages in eastern Asia. Black ca rp entered the United States in the early

1970s as a contaminant in im ported grass carp and are cu rrently being maintained in research and fish production facilities in seven states includi ng two that border Oklahoma (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2002) . Approximately 30 black carp escaped

from a fish farm in Missouri into the Os age River, Missouri River basin, in April 1994. The first specimen reported fr om the wild was captured in March 2003 from Horseshoe12 Lake, Illinois. A second specimen was capt ured from the wild in the lower Red River, Louisiana in April 2004 (Nico and Fuller 2004). In 2007, the black carp was listed as an injurious species under the Lacey Act. Black carp are likely to survive in the wild and spread throughout the Mississippi drainage. Bla ck carp are molluscivores but also feed on freshwater shrimp, crayfish, and insects t hus competing for food with native fish and wildlife species (Nico and Will iams 1996). If black carp become established in North American ecosystems, their feeding habits c ould drastically modify the ecological balance and forever change the aesthetic, recr eational, and economical values of native aquatic systems. This spec ies would also be especially harmful to native unionid mussels, a taxonomic group that is already imperiled throughout its native range. It is highly probable that black carp would feed on and reduce pop ulations of native mussels and snails (Nico and Williams 1996) . Even at relatively small sizes (age 4), black carp will eat 3-4 lbs. of mollusks daily, posing a di rect threat to one of the most diverse

mollusk faunas in the world.

The risks that black carp pose to ecosystem int egrity do not stop at its direct effect via mollusk predation. Mollusks serve a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health through their role as filter f eeders. Mollusks also serve as “early warning systems” in identifying degrading water qualit y. Black carp also pose a threat to other aquatic organisms through competition for food with nat ive molluscivores and serve as hosts to a wide array of parasites that could have negative impac ts on native species and potentially humans. Black carp have not been reported in Oklahoma, but the potential ecological harm posed by black carp and their current proximity to Oklahoma make it a significant threat t hat warrants attention.

White perch ( Morone americana ): A native to the Atlantic coast region of North America, the white perch in vaded the Great Lakes in the 1950s through the Welland and Erie canals (Boileau 1985). Through competitio n with native species, predation on fish eggs, preying on young fish, and hybridization with white bass Morone chrysops

, white perch can quickly become the dominant species in freshw ater lakes. White perch

tend to stunt and become undesirable when over- population occurs in freshwater lakes (Scott and Crossman 1990). Since its arrival, it has been associated with declines in both walleye and white bass popul ations in those areas w here it has become wellestablished. White perch were introduced in Kansas from a contaminated stocking of striped bass in Cheney Reservoir. A reproducing population s ubsequently became established followed by downstream migration in the Arkansas River. The species is now established in Kaw Lake, Oklahoma. White perch populations have spread into Kaw, Sooner and Keystone Lakes in Okl ahoma with continued migr ation downstream throughout the Arkansas Rivers syst em appearing likely. This is a priority species, and

demands immediate att ention and management.

Brook Stickleback ( Culaea inconstans ): Brook sticklebacks occur in Canada and the northern United States, but have become estab lished to the south, including Oklahoma, through bait bucket transfers. Pigg et al. ( 1993) discovered brook st ickleback in a bait shipment of fathead minnows from Minnesot a and suggested a possi ble link between its

introduction into Oklahoma and the bait fish industry. A much earlier report in Oklahoma is apparently based on observations of this species in bait tanks near Ft. Gibson Reservoir in Wagoner County (Heard 1959; Moore and Riggs 1963). Although,13 there are no verified records from open waters , at least some individuals were likely introduced through discar ded or escaped bait. The impact of their introduction is largely

unknown at this time. Woodlin g (1985) stated that the spec ies is pugnacious and preys on eggs. As such, its use as a bait fish is discouraged so as to prevent accidental range expansion.

Rudd ( Scardinius erythrophthalmus ): Introduced into the United States in the early 1900s as baitfish, this Eurasian native is found in 20 states

, including Oklahoma (Nico and Fuller 2003). Similar in ap pearance to the golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas, the rudd is capable of growing to 20 inches in length. Currently, the rudd is one of the most rapidly spreading non-indig enous fishes in the United States. The greatest threat posed by the rudd is its ability to hybridiz e with the golden shiner which may endanger that species’ genetic integrit y (Burkhead and Williams 1991). While little is known about the threat posed by rudd, its occurrence in several Oklahoma rivers suggest the need to

monitor this ANS.

Northern snakehead ( Channa argus ): Most likely brought into the United States as a food fish, the northern snakehead is a pr edatory fish native to Asia. It became a

concern in the Mid-Atlantic after being discovered in Ma ryland ponds and the Potomac River (Courtenay and Williams 2004). A voracious predator with sharp teeth and mature body length from three to four feet, snak eheads have the potential to drastically alter freshwater ecosystems by out co mpeting native fish species, including many sport fish. Snakeheads prey on fish, frogs, crustaceans , and aquatic insects. Many species of snakehead fish, including northern snakehead, have the ability to breath air and crawl

short distances between waterbodies. Its native range suggests it could become established throughout the contiguous United States (Courtenay and Williams 2004). It is currently illegal to possess or import any species of snakehead ( Channa spp.) or their eggs in Oklahoma. A reproduc ing population was c onfirmed in the Pi ne Creek drainage in eastern Arkansas in April, 2008. Northern snakeheads hav e not been reported in Oklahoma, but the potential ecological harm posed by northern snakeheads and their current proximity to Oklahoma make it a signi ficant threat that wa rrants attention.

Zebra mussel ( Dreissena polymorpha ): The zebra mussel is one of the best known

invaders of the Great Lakes r egion and other areas of the c ountry where it has spread.

Zebra mussels were introduced from Eastern Europe via ballast water discharge from European freighters. In the late-1980s, th e zebra mussel was discovered in Lake St. Clair, between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. This species sp read rapidly to 20 states in the Mississippi River drainage. Zebra mussels can easily survive overland transport

while attached to boat hulls or in live well s, engine cooling systems, or bait buckets.

Live zebra mussels have been found at Californ ia agricultural stations on boats from the Midwest, and in Washington on boats destined for British Columbia.

The zebra mussel is a prolific fouling or ganism with great potential to disrupt fish passage facilities and cause ecological and economic damage. It is a highly opportunistic mollusk, reproduces rapidly, and consumes large quantities of plankton from the water column (Tro meter et al. 1999). The potent ial and profound impacts to fisheries include changes in fo od availability and spawning ar eas. Reductions in density and biomass of the zooplankton community may result in reduced growth or abundance14 of age-0 fish. The first year of a fishes' lif e is a time when it is most vulnerable to predation; reduced growth rates at this age ma y extend this period of vulnerability (Wu and Culver 1991).

Economic impacts of zebra mussels are primarily caused by thei r fouling characteristics. Mussel build-up on water intake/discharge stru ctures cause utilitie s, and industries to incur significant costs associated with monito ring, cleaning, and controlling infestations. According to a recent economic impact st udy, each of 84 Great Lakes water users reported average total zebra mu ssel control expend itures of $513,600 over the five-year period from 1989 to 1994 (Hushak et al. 1995). Nationwide expendit ures to control

zebra mussels in water control infrastructures are estimated at $3.1 billion over 10 years (U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment 1993).

In Oklahoma, Zebra mussels were first f ound in the McClellen-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System 1993, most li kely moving up the river wit h barge traffic. From there zebra mussels have moved up the navigation system and have attached to locks in the Port of Catoosa near Tulsa. Populations remained relatively lo w, rarely exceeding

5000/m 2 . However, a population explosion o ccurred in 2004, coincident with a mild summer, when densities in excess of 100,000/m 2 were recorded. Zebra mussels were found in Oologah Reservoir in 2003, likely as hitchhikers on recreational boat traffic.

Zebra mussels were found in Kaw Reservoir in 2004, likely moving downstream from a population established in El Dorado Lake, K ansas. Zebra mussels continued to move downstream, infesting Sooner and Keystone Reservoirs and can currently be found throughout the Arkansas River in Tulsa. Two zebra mussel ad ults were found in Grand Lake in 2006 but no veligers have been found t here to date. Zebra mussels have been discovered on several boats by marina pers onnel who prevented the infested boats from being launched in the lakes. Consider ed a high priority species, zebra mussels represent a serious threat to Oklahoma' s aquatic resources and deserve immediate management action.

Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis): Quagga mussels are nativ e to Caspian Sea drainage in Eurasia. They most likely arri ved as stowaways in the ballast water of ocean going ships. They were discovered in the Great Lakes r egion in September 1989. The quagga mussel is related to the zebra mussel but was not identified as a distinct species until 1991. Quagga mussels lik e silty or sandy lake bottoms, as well as hard surfaces. They can live in waters ranging from warm and shallow to deep and cold. They are also able to tolerate so mewhat salty water. A quagga mussel feeds all year, even in winter. In addition, it may hav e the same potential as the zebra mussel to clog water intakes. Quagga mussels can easily survive overland transport while attached to boat hulls or in live wells, engine cooling systems, or bait buckets

. Quagga mussels were recently found attached to a boat preparing to but prevented from launching at Eisenhower State Park on Lake Texoma. To date, no other reports of quagga mussels have been made in Oklahoma, but it is considered a priority species because of the potential for infe station and environmental damage.

Exotic waterflea ( Daphnia lumholtzi ): Native to Africa, Australia, and India, this Cladoceran species was first discovered in 1990 in Texas. It has since been found in several Midwestern states including Kans as, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Havel and15 Shurin (2004) reported D. lumholtzi from Atoka, Broken Bow, Coalgate, Copan, Fort Gibson, Grand, Greenleaf, Hugo, Humphreys, Keystone, Murray, Pine Creek, Raymond Gary, Robert S. Kerr, Sardis, Texoma, Tenk iller, and Waurika reservoirs in Oklahoma. The continuing discovery of the organism in new locations could be due to contaminated stockings of fish through commerc ial trade. At the same time, the close proximity of affected reservoirs mi ght lead to the conclusion that it may have spread by recreational boating from infest ed reservoirs (Benson et al. 2005). Analyses of preinvasion zooplankton communities indicate that D. lumholtzi may be invading reservoirs

in which native Daphnia species are rare. While the long-term effects of the invasion of

D. lumholtzi are unknown, it has the potential to dominate late summer zooplankton

communities in reservoirs (Dzialowski et al. 2000).

New Zealand mudsnail ( Potamopyrgus antipodarum ): Native to New Zealand, this species was discovered in No rth America in 1987 and has rapidly spread throughout the western United States. It is a parthenogenet ic livebearer with a high reproductive potential. Mature New Zeal and mudsnails (NZMS) average 5 mm in length; juveniles are much smaller, making them difficult to notice on gear. Snai l populations can reach densities greater than 100,000/m 2 in suitable habitat. The highest recorded densities reported are 800,000/m 2 in Lake Zurich, Switzerland, where this species colonized the entire lake in less than seven years (Ric hards 2002). To date, few data have been reported or research conducted on t he impacts of the animal on native macroinvertebrate populations or aquatic ecosystems.

Concern about the pot ential impacts of the NZMS on native species, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems in the we stern United States has been generated by the rapid spread of this species. NZMS degrade habi tat with their high reproductive capacity and the subsequent impacts on invert ebrate food sources. Its sp read into new systems is considered to be primarily human-caused and unintentional transport by people is probably the primary vector for the spread of NZMS. The snai l clings to the boots of anglers wading in infested str eams. The NZMS has not been reported in Oklahoma, but is considered a priority species because of the late 2004 introduction into Colorado and the highly mobile natur e of trout anglers.

Rusty crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus ): The native range of the rusty crayfish is Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. However, in recent years its distribution has expanded because of the use of live crayfish as bait by anglers. They are more aggressive than other native crayfish, better able to avoid fish predation, and can harm native fish populations by eating their eggs and young. They can displace native crayfish, hybridize with them, and gr aze on and eliminate beneficia l aquatic plants. Large populations can adversely impact native plant populations (Lodge et al. 2000). As a result of its voracious appetit e, it competes with other aquatic organisms for food. Eradicating established infestations is current ly impossible. The rusty crayfish has not been found in Oklahoma, but it has been transplanted to new wa ters in neighboring

states where self-sustaini ng populations have become es tablished. The species

warrants attention.

Nutria ( Myocastor coypus ): The nutria is a large semi -aquatic rodent smaller than a beaver but larger than a muskrat. Nutr ia are strict vegetarians consuming16 approximately 25 percent of their weight daily . Nutria predominately feed on the base of plant stems and dig for roots and rhizomes in the winter. Native to South America, nutria were imported into t he United States in the 1930’s for fur farms. They were released, either intentionally or accidentally, in the Louisi ana marshes and soon after, feral populations were established near the Gu lf Coast. Nutria continued to expand their range from there as they were tr apped and transplanted into marshes from Port Arthur, Texas to the Mississippi River. R apid population growth followed for several years thereafter and reports of agricultural damage increased. In 1958, nutria were taken off the list of protected wildlife. T hey have been found in far southeast Oklahoma where their impact on aquatic environments is primarily by reduction of native vegetation in marsh and riverine areas.

Golden Alga ( Prymnesium parvum) : Harmful algal blooms ar e ubiquitous world wide in marine and freshwater systems. Texas ha s documented fish kills from golden alga in

inland waters since 1985. Th e spread of golden alga in Te xas and resulting fish kills have had major ecological and economic ramifications. A fish kill in the upper Red River arm of Lake Texoma attributed to gol den alga occurred in January 2004. A golden alga-related fish kill in Altus City Lake was documented in August 2004. Fish kills in the upper Red River arm of Lake Texoma occurred in February 2006 and again

in March 2007. Given the hist ory of reoccurrence of golden alga-related fish kills in Texas, it is anticipated that such kills will reoccur in infe sted waters and likely spread to waters not currently experiencin g kills related to golden alga.

ODWC developed the Oklahoma Harmful Alga l Bloom Response Pl an to coordinate a timely interagency response to harmful alga l blooms (Appendix C). In addition, ODWC is currently funding research conducted by t he University of Oklahoma on the toxicology of the prymnesin toxin to various sport fishes and zooplankton and the ecological interactions of golden al ga with phytoplankton and zooplank ton communities in Lake Texoma. The University of Oklahoma is also currently monitoring golden alga abundance on Lake Texoma and investigating physical, chemical, and ecological triggers to blooms and toxin production. A proposed expans ion of these efforts on a statewide basis would identify lakes at risk and focus on efforts to control the spread to currently uninfested water bodies.

Didymo ( Didymosphenia geminata ) : Didymo is a diatom which is native to the northern hemisphere. Until recent years, it occurred at low le vels in pristine lakes and streams but has become invasive, forming dense mats in many streams in North America. In close proximity to Oklahoma, Didymo has been found in Colorado and the

White River in Arkansas. This invasive species attaches to rocks and plants in streambeds and may impact freshwater fi sh, aquatic plants, and important aquatic insects. Didymo can comple tely smother rocks and plants and reduce the area of clean substrate and interstitial spaces on which fish and their prey depend for spawning and feeding. It also tends to outcompete native al gal species, many of which are food for aquatic insects, which are the main diet source of native stream fishes. Didymo mats

have become so thick in some areas it becam e impossible for anglers to fish. Didymo is particularly fond of cold tailwaters and, as such, poses a particular threat to the trout

fisheries in the lower Illinois and lower Mountain Fork rivers. Anglers have been the principle means of spread. Trout anglers who fish streams in the western United States17 and Arkansas, and return to fish the lower Illi nois and/or the lower Mountain Fork rivers must take precautions to avoid spreading Didymo to state waters.

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia : Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) has historically

been considered as the most serious viral di sease of salmonids reared in European

freshwater environments. VHS has been associ ated with marine finfish species, and most recently has become an em erging disease of freshwater fish in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. VHS is an aquatic rhabidovirus and is shed in the urine, feces, and sexual fluids. Infe sted waters include clinically ill fish and asymptomatic carriers. Transmission can o ccur through the water or by contact.

Prior to 2003, isolates of the VHS virus were limited in Nort h America to saltwater finfish

from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, including Chi nook and Coho salmon, Pacific herring, Atlantic herring and c od. VHS was firs t detected in the Grea t Lakes region in the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario, in 2005, a nd was subsequently detec ted in an archived 2003 sample from Lake St. Clair. VHS virus al so was detected in Lake St. Clair in 2005 and in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and the St. Lawr ence River in 2006 in a variety of fish species. Since 2005, the list of species kn own to be affected by VHS has risen to more than 40, including a number of ecologically and recreat ionally important fish.

Retail sales and live release of baitfish into the wild represent an area of concern for the potential introduction and/or spread of VHS. Fish belong ing to the cyprinid family and other species are collected from the Great Lakes and used as bait for sport fisheries

around the U.S. Baitfish fr om Canada are also routinel y exported to the U.S. Additionally, some aquaculture producers colle ct baitfish brood stock from the Great Lakes to produce commercial baitfish in their facilities. The destinations and numbers

of baitfish moved are not well documented, and regulation of th is sector is inconsistent among States, or lacking entirely. Live sale of fish by commercial fishers is also a

concern. Fish from Lake Erie are sold live in Ontario, Canada for transport to pond aquaculture facilities in the Midwest U.S. The species, volume and destinations of

these fish are not well documented.

Recent federal restrictions on interstate mo vement of fish from the Great Lakes region are aimed at slowing the sp read of VHS. The virus ha s not been detected in Oklahoma but monitoring and disease-free certification of imported fish should be a priority.

Largemouth Bass Virus : Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) is one of more than 100 naturally occurring viruses that affect fish but not warm-blooded animals. The origin is unknown, but it is of the Iridovirus family , genus Ranavirus. LMBV is related to a virus found in frogs and other amphibians and nearly i dentical to a virus isolated in some fish imported to the U.S. for the aquarium trade. Althoug h other species of fish can serve as carriers, symptoms of disease have been ev ident in largemouth ba ss only. The mode of transmission and disease triggers are unk nown. The disease appears to differentially affect the larger individuals in a population and kills have result ed in negative impacts to sport fisheries. However, long-term impac ts to largemouth bass fisheries have been negligible.18 LMBV fish kills have been reported throughout the southeast and Midwest United States. Although LMBV-related fish ki lls have been suspected on a number of Oklahoma reservoirs, LMBV has been verified as the causative agent of kills only on

Tenkiller in 2000 and Wes Watkins reservoirs in 2005. Since 2000, 26 lakes have been tested for LMBV with positive re sults found at Arbuckle, Euc ha, Eufaula, Ft. Gibson, Grand, Hudson, Keystone, Konawa, Lawt onka, McGee Creek, Murray, Okemah, Oologah, Sardis, Skiatook, Sooner, Tenkiller, Texoma, Thunderbird, Webbers Falls and Wes Watkins. Lakes Arcadia, Bixhoma, Br oken Bow, Crowder and Holdenville have so far tested negative for LMBV. Because of the short-term impact to economically valuable largemouth bass fis heries, and the vast amount of negative publicity generated by such kills, LMBV warrant s attention in this plan.

Spring Viremia of Carp : Spring viremia of carp (SVC ) is a contagious and potentially fatal viral disease affecting fish. As its name implies, SVC may be seen in carp in the spring season. However, SVC may also be s een in other seasons (especially in the fall) and in other fish species including goldfi sh and the European wells catfish. Until recently, SVC had only been reported in Eur ope and the Middle East. The first cases of SVC reported in the United States were in Spring 2002 in cu ltivated ornamental common carp (Koi) and wild common carp. The number of North American fish species susceptible to SVC is not yet known. The first signs of SVC disease in fish may be a change in behavior. The diseased fish may breathe and move more slowly, form groups in slow–flowing water near t he pond bank, and lie on their si de at the pond bottom. On

the outside of a fish with SV C, the skin and gills may appear dark red, the eyes may bulge outward, the belly may be swollen, and bloody mucu s may hang from the vent. On the inside of a fish with SVC, a lot of flui d may be in the belly cavity and internal organs, blood in the swim bladder, and reddening and swelling of the gut. However, not all fish showing these signs necessarily ha ve SVC, as these same signs may also be seen in many other diseases. Those fish that don't die from SVC may recover and appear healthy, but these fish actually may remain infected with the virus and continue to shed and spread the virus to other fish. Because the SVC virus may remain hidden in infected fish, the disease is difficult to eliminate from a site. Diagnosis of the SVC virus in fish can be confirmed through viru s isolation and other sophisticated diagnostic tests done by an approved laboratory.

The spread of SVC may occur through cont act with water contaminated with the infected fish's feces, urine, or mucus. The virus may be spread through contaminated equipment, fish parasites, predatory birds, and on the outside of an infected fish's eggs. Once SVC is established at a site, it may be difficult to eradicate because of virus– infected carrier fish. It may be necessary to destroy all aquatic life in a pond to

eliminate the disease from the site. Alt hough complete eradication is difficult, SVC can likely be controlled and contained within hi gh–risk zones through surveillance and better management practices, including strict bios ecurity procedures. People may transmit the virus from place to place on their clothing, footwear, equipment, etc, but the virus does

not cause disease in humans.

SVC has not been confirmed in Oklahoma; however. in 2006 a Koi retailer received a shipment of fish that exhi bited many of the classic SVC symptoms. The merchant destroyed the dead and dying fish but releas ed those that were still alive into Lake19 Hefner in Oklahoma City. T he popularity of Koi and the regular importation of these fish from other parts of the U.S. and abroad, warrant careful attention and inclusion of SVC in this plan.

Whirling Disease ( Myxobolus cerebralis ): Whirling disease is a metazoan parasite that penetrates the head and spin al cartilage of fingerling trout where it multiplies very rapidly, putting pressure on the organ of equili brium. This causes the fish to swim erratically (whirl), and have difficulty feedi ng and avoiding predat ors. In severe infections, the disease can cause high rates of mortality in young- of-the-year fish.

Those that survive until the cartilage hardens to bone can live a normal life span, but are marred by skeletal deformities. Fish can, however reproduce without passing on the parasite to their offspring.

The minute whirling disease or ganism, native to the Eurasi an continent, was introduced

into North American waters in the late 19 50s. So far its severe damage has been primarily to wild rainbow populations, although many other salmonid species can become infected, with or without c linical disease. Brown trout salmo trutta , also a European import, become infected but rarely suffer clinical disease. Under some

circumstances infected brown trout suffer some mortality, but they always insure the survival of the parasite. Regardless of species, when eac h infected fish dies, many

thousands to millions of the parasite spores are released to the water. The organism is virtually indestructible. Spores can with stand freezing and desiccation, and can survive in a stream for 20 to 30 years. Eventually, it must be ingested by its alternate host, the

tubifex worm Tubifex tubifex , where the spore takes on the form that once again will infect trout fry.

The parasite that causes whirling diseas e will continue to spread to drainages now clean, since it is so easily and unknowi ngly transported by animals, birds and humans. The ODWC purchases trout for stocking in publ ic waters from a va riety of out-of-state commercial producers. Winter trout fisherie s in various private waters, also supported by purchasing trout from out-of-state suppliers, have become popular. Although whirling disease has not been reported from Okl ahoma, this disease is listed in this plan to help ensure that trout cont inue to be purchased from certif ied disease-free suppliers.20 Non-indigenous Aquatic Plants

A draft list of non-indigenous aquat ic plants in Oklahoma is included in Appendix A. This list is incomplete as information on non- indigenous aquatic plants in Oklahoma is

somewhat limited. The follow ing ANS species are consider ed of special concern in Oklahoma: Alligatorweed, Eura sian Watermilfoil, Hydrilla, Purple Loosestrife, Salvinia, and Water Hyacinth. Currently, Hydrilla is c onsidered a high priority species. A discussion of each species follows.

Hydrilla ( Hydrilla verticillata ): Hydrilla is the most dam aging aquatic weed in the United States. It was imported into the United States from Asia in the early 1950s for use in aquariums, and was likely introduced into the wild near Tampa and Miami, Florida. It was popular in the aquariu m trade until Federal r egulations banned its

interstate sale and movement. Distributi on in the United States now ranges from Connecticut southward along the coast to Texas. The plant is also present in California and Washington. Several inland states (I llinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Arizona) also have populations.

Hydrilla plants produce long stems with whor led leaves and are profusely branched at the water surface. It thrives in low light co nditions and can be fo und in streams, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Reproduction is by fr agmentation, seeds, tubers, and turions. Hydrilla is most likely to spread when plant fragments are ca rried on boat trailers into

new habitat.

Hydrilla causes major problems with water us e. In drainage and irrigation canals, it greatly reduces flow and causes clogging, which can result in flooding and damage to canal banks, structures, and pumps. In utilit y cooling reservoirs, hydrilla can disrupt flows necessary for adequate water-cooling. Hy drilla can interfere with recreational and commercial vessel navigation. In addition to interfering with boating by fisherman and water skiers, hydrilla hampers swimming, disp laces native vegetation communities, and can damage sportfish populations. The ec onomic consequences of aquatic weed infestations can be staggering. Annual expenditures to c ontrol aquatic weeds in the United States (most of them non-natives, such as hydrill a) are reported to be $100 million (OTA, 1993). Three hydrilla infestat ions are known to occur in Oklahoma (Arbuckle, Murray and Sooner reservoirs), although surveillance efforts have been

limited.

Giant Salvinia ( Salvinia molesta ): The number one noxious aquatic plant in the world, Giant Salvinia is a perennial, aquatic fern, fr om South America whic h is very common in the water garden and aquarium indus tries. In favorable env ironments, plants may be expected to double in volume wit hin a week. Giant salvinia is a small, floating plant with round to oblong, light green leaves that have hair-like projections on their surface. Submerged leaves function as m odified roots. The plant pref ers shallow, fertile waters

to moist soil areas. It can be found in ponds, lakes and slow moving streams. Reproduction is by fragmentat ion and spores. It forms extensive mats that can completely cover water surfaces resultin g in the degradation of natural habitats by shading native plants, reducing available dissolved oxygen, and creating large amounts of decaying plant material. The mats are r eported to be up to three feet thick, which21 hinders management by chemical control, and the weed reproduces so rapidly that infestations quickly become impossible to eradi cate. It is known to over-winter easily by blanketing sister plants. Gi ant Salvinia can clog water intakes, which interferes with irrigation, drainage, and electr ical generation. In the Unit ed States it has been observed in Arizona, South Carolina, North Ca rolina, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and California. Its expected range includes po rtions of southern and western Oklahoma (USGS, 2000). Within a year of its 1998 disco very in the United St ates, Giant Salvinia

was found in six states and over a dozen watersheds. Hum an transport will spread Giant Salvinia locally, with plants adhering to and carried overland on anything entering infested waters, including boats, trailers, ve hicular wheels, intakes and gear and other plants. It has been found for sale in a number of nurseries in Oklahoma, mostly for use in water gardens. The Oklahoma Departm ent of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) has issued stop-se ll orders to all vendors and confiscated and destroyed plants. However, shipments of plants from other states wher e Salvinia infestations are unchecked still occur and local nurseries report rece iving “hitchhiking” Salvinia regularly. Internet sale and shipments of the plant continue unchecked.

Alligator weed ( Alternanthera philoxeroides ): Alligatorweed is a member of the pigweed family that has spread quickly thr oughout the southern United States. Several members in this genus are read ily available in the ornament al trade. It produces white, clover-like flowers on hollow stems suppor ting oppositely arranged leaves. The plant can grow in most aquatic environments fr om fully submerged to moist soil. It reproduces by fragmentation a nd seed. This plant is difficult to control once established. Alligatorweed easily displaces native species by producing thick

monocultures. It is established in Ok lahoma in the Chouteau and Newt Graham pools

of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navi gation system and in se veral homeowners’ association ponds on Spring Creek in Okl ahoma City. Alligatorweed flea beetles Agasicles hygrophila were imported into Oklahoma in 2005 as a bio-control experiment on the Spring Creek chain of lakes. Results were marginal in 2005, but 2006 releases reduced infestations by as much as 50% on some of the ponds while in others, the plants were reduced by over 75%. Ok lahoma winters are likely severe enough to prevent over-wintering of the beetles so an nual releases will be necessary to maintain

control

.

Purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria ): A showy wetland plant, purple loosestrife is popular in the ornamental trade becaus e of the brilliant purple spike of flowers. It is still sold in some states, although 24 states, incl uding Oklahoma, have listed it as a noxious weed and prohibit its sale. It gr ows up to 8 feet tall in thi ck stands. It has leaves that are arranged opposite along the stem and are l ance shaped. It was originally imported from Eurasia in the early 1800s for its medici nal value and beautiful flowers. It inhabits damp terrestrial sites often bordering bodies of water. Reproduction is primarily by seed with each plant producing up to 2 million seeds. It can crow d out native wetland plants and has been spreading across the United States for dec ades. Estimated losses are $45 million per year in contro l costs and forage loss (ATTRA, 1997). It is found in 42 of the contiguous states, and coul d invade the remaining six. It is present in Oklahoma with a persistent stand at Guthrie City Lake.22 Eurasian Watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum ): The most problematic nonindigenous plant in northern and central United States. It is a submersed, rooted perennial with branching stems t hat fill the water column. It has leaves divided into feathery, threadlike leaflets. It inhabits reservoirs, lakes, ponds and back water areas. Reproduction is primarily by fr agmentation and it is capable of establishing new colonies when disturbed by recreational activity, and it is easily transported to new waterbodies through fouling of boat pr ops and trailers. The species has also been introduced through the aquarium trade and water gardens. Once established in a waterbody, it can quickly grow into dense mats that shade out native plants, reduce fish habitat and recreational use. It is present in Okl ahoma in several reservoirs (Fuqua, Longmire), many smaller city water supply lakes and numerous farm ponds.

Water Hyacinth ( Eichornia crassipes ): Water hyacinth is present in all Gulf Coast states as well as California. Its pr esence has caused massive problems with navigation, water based recreat ion, canal systems, and pumpi ng stations as it can completely cover lakes with floating mats that become dislodged and stuck in water intakes. Although the risk of water hyacinth overwintering in Ok lahoma is considered small due to cold winter air temperatures, its continued use in water gardens poses a threat that it will adapt to col der temperatures, or become est ablished in thermal refugia. Water hyacinth has been found in Lake Euf aula, Soldier Creek in Midwest City and Landsbrook Lake in Oklahoma City, all pr obable releases from water gardens.23 

### D. Goal

The goal of the Oklahoma ANS Management Plan is to:

Minimize the harmful ecological, economic , and social impact of ANS through preventing the introduction and managing the population growth and dispersal of ANS into, within, and from Oklahoma

.

The goal will be achieved through im plementation of a plan that:

 emphasizes prevention of introductions;

 requires a risk assessment and review for all aquatic non-indigenous species prior to their importation, transport, or use in Oklahoma;

 allows for early detection;

 includes development of contingency plans;

 permits appropriate and timely response to new and existing populations;

 protects and restores nativ e plant and animal communities;

 provides for access to accurate up-to- date distribution and manage ment information;

 incorporates education and research elements;

 recommends funding levels adequate for effective implementation;

 produces agency collaboration th rough an invasive species council;

 facilitates inter-jurisdictional coordinatio n with state, federal and tribal agencies;

 seeks cooperative solutions with the private sector and user groups.

It is not possible to address all potential in vaders, their impacts, and the constraints and contingencies that may develop. Consequently , this plan is inten ded to be adaptable to changing circumstances. As a result, continual review of the plan is imperative to use the most up-to-date information and procedures to limit the spread of ANS both into and

within Oklahoma.24 

### E. Existing Authorities and Programs

The State of Oklahoma currently has a limited number of st atutory and regulatory authorities aimed at pr evention and control of ANS. Existing statutes and regulations were drafted and passed with the intent of deal ing with specific conc erns as they arose and were not intended to be proac tive in dealing with the threats of invasive species. State statutory author ity pertaining to ANS is spread across several agencies and

coordinated efforts to date have been lacki ng. One objective of Oklahoma’s ANS management plan is to identify gaps in ex isting statutes and regulations and to recommend development of new legislation to address shortcomings in existing

authorities and programs.

STATE

Oklahoma Department of W ildlife Conservation (ODWC)

The mission of the ODWC is the managem ent, protection and enhancement of wildlife resources and habitat for the scientific, educ ational, recreational, aesthetic and economic benefits to present and fu ture generation of citizens and visitors to Oklahoma. Existing statutory authorities are inadequate to protect Oklahoma’s aquatic resources from invasive species and to help the age ncy meet its mission. Existing authorities

include:

The Wildlife Conservation Commission will constitute a policymaking board for the restoration, conservation, and management of wildlife in Oklahoma (Oklahoma Statute Title 29, §§3-103A, 7-801A). A license is needed to engage in the private commercial production of catfish, mi nnows, fingerlings, fish, frogs , or other water species (Oklahoma Statute Title 29, §4- 102A). A license is also needed to harvest, sell, buy, ship, or transport minnows into or out of Oklahoma (Oklahoma St atute Title 29, §4- 115A, B). No person may transport or sell non-game fish outside Oklahoma without a commercial fishing license and a special pe rmit for transporting or selling the fish (Oklahoma Statute Title 29, §4- 105A). Violations are puni shable by a fine of between $25 and $200, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or by both (Oklahoma Statute Title 29, §§4-102E, 4-105B, 4-115C). The importation into the State a nd/or the possession of the fo llowing exotic fish or their eggs is prohibited (Oklahoma Admi nistrative Code §800:20-1-2):

(1) Walking Catfish: The Walking Catfish, ( Clarius batrachus ) and other members of the exotic catfish family Cla ridae, including but not limit ed to species of the genera Clarias, Heteropneustes, Gymnallables, Channallabes , and Heterobranchus are prohibited. Any live specimens of Walking Catfish or other Claridae species within

the boundaries of the State of Oklahoma ar e contraband and subject to seizure by the Department of W ildlife Conservation. (2) Grass carp: Release of grass carp, also known as white amur or Chinese carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) or their hybrids into public waters is prohibited in accordance with 29 O.S., Section 6-504. Im portation, possession and introduction of grass carp or their hybrids for t he purpose of stocking private waters is permitted.25 (3) Bighead carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix ). (4) Silver carp ( Aristichthys nobilis ). (5) Black carp ( Mylopharyngodon piceus ). (6) Boney-tongue group: Osteoglossum spp., and Arapaima spp. (7) Piranha group: Serrasalmus spp., Pygocentrus spp., Rooseveltiella spp., Catoprion

spp., Hydrocynus spp., and Salminus spp. (8) Electric Eel ( Electrophorus electricus ). (9) Electric catfish ( Malapterus electricus ). (10) Gar-pike topminnow ( Belonesox belizanus ). (11) Snakehead groups: Opicephalus spp., and Channa spp. (12) Pavon or Peacock Bass ( Chichla temensis and Chichia ocellaris ). (13) Parasitic South American Catfish group ( Candiru ), genera & species of the Trichomycteridae family. Vandellia spp., Tridens spp., and Pyqidium spp. (14) Freshwater Stingray group: Paratrygon spp., Potomotrygon spp., and Disceus spp. (15) Houri (from South America): Macrodon spp., and Hoplias spp. (16) Rudd and rudd hybrids ( Scardiniu s spp.). (17) Blueback herring ( Alosa aestivalis ).

The following species shall be permitted by application and wri tten letter of authorization from the Department of Wild life Conservation for research purpose only (Oklahoma Administrative Code §800:20-1-2):

(1) Alewives ( Aloso pseudoharengus ). (2) Rainbow smelt ( Osmerus mordax ).

Currently, no permits are active.

The use of Tilapia is restricted as follows (Oklahom a Administrative Code §800:20-1-2):

(1) The sale and use of all Til apia species as bait is prohibited. (2) The stocking of all Tilapia species in any heated-wate r reservoir including Sooner, Konawa and Boomer Reservoirs is prohibited. (3) This shall not interfere wit h the sale of dea d and/or processed Tilapia for human food or the sale or transport of Tilapia species for the purpose of aquatic vegetation control in privately owned ponds.

A noxious aquatic plant is any aquatic plant that may cause injury to the environment of Oklahoma and is declared noxious by regulati on of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission (Oklahoma Statute Title 29, §6-601B ). It is unlawful for any person to import, transport, place, or cultivate any no xious aquatic plant or seed in Oklahoma waters (Oklahoma Statute Title 29, §6-601A). Violations are misd emeanors, punishable by a fine of between $10 and $100, impris onment for up to 30 days, or by both (Oklahoma Statute Title 29, §6-60 1C). In addition to the prov ided criminal penalties, the commission may enforce the provisions by inj unctive action (Oklahom a Statute Title 29, §6-601D). The following plants, seeds or plan t parts are hereby declared to be noxious:

(1) Azolla pinnata - Mosquito Fern (aka - Water Velvet, Water Fern) (2) Caulerpa taxifolia - Caulerpa (aka - Mediterranean Clone of Caulerpa)26 (3) Eichhornia azure - Anchored Water Hyacinth (aka - Rooted Water Hyacinth, Blue Water Hyacinth, Saw-petal Water Hyacinth) (4) Hydrilla verticillata - Hydrilla (aka - Florida Elodea, Star Vi ne, Oxygen Plant, Oxygen Weed) (5) Hygrophila polysperma - Hygro (aka - Miramar W eed, Green Hygro, Oriental Ludwigia, East Indian Hygrophila) (6) Ipomoea aquatica - Water Spinach (aka - Swamp Morning Glory, Chinese Water Spinach, Water Bindweed, Aquatic Morning Glory) (7) Lagarosiphon major - African Elodea (aka - Oxygen Weed) (8) Limnophila species - Ambulia (aka - Asian Marshweed, Limno, Red Ambulia, Indian Ambulia) (9) Lythrum salicaria - Purple Loosestrife (aka - Loosestrife) (10) Marsilea quadrifolia - Marsilea (aka - European Waterclover, Four-leaf Clover Fern, Water Fern, Water Clo ver, Hairy Pepperwort) (11) Marsilea mutica - Australian Waterclover (aka - Varigated Water-clover, Nardoo) (12) Marsilea minuta - Waterclover (13) Melaleuca quinquenervia - Paperbark Tree (aka - Melaleuca, Cajeput, Punk) (14) Monochoria hastata - Cat
= s Claw (aka - Monochoria) (15) Ottellia alismoides - Duck Lettuce (16) Sagittaria sagittifolia - Japanese Arrowhead (aka - Hawaiian Arrowhead, Common Arrowhead, Chinese Arrowhead) (17) Salvinia spp. - all giant and common salvinia species - (aka - Salvinia, Butterfly Fern, Water Fern, Water Moss, Water Ve lvet, Karibaweed, Koi Kandy, Water Spangles, Floating Fern, South American Pond Fern) (18) Alternanthera spp. - Alligatorweed and congeneric species (aka - Alligator-weed, Chaff Flower, lilacina, roseafolia) (19) Solanum tampicense - Wetland Nightshade (20) Sparganium erectum - Exotic Bur-reed (21) Glossostigma diandrum - Mud Mat

The following species are classified as "Speci es to Watch" and are not currently listed as noxious aquatic plants. However, t hey are aquatic plants whose impact on the Oklahoma environment is presently unknown, and therefore, may be considered for inclusion on the noxious aquatic plant list (above) as additional information becomes available to, and as deemed necessary by, t he Department of Wildlife Conservation:

(1) Colocasia esculenta - Wild Taro (aka - Green Taro , Elephant Ear, Taro, Dasheen) (2) Egeria densa - Brazilian Waterweed (aka - Co mmon Waterweed, Brazilian Elodea, Anacharis, Oxygen Weed, Elodea) (3) Eichhornia crassipes - Floating Water Hyacinth (aka - Water-hyacinth) (4) Hydrocleys nymphoides - Water-poppy (aka - Hydrocleys, Hydrocleis) (5) Iris pseudacorus - Yellow Iris (aka - Yellow Flag, Yellow Flag Iris) (6) Ludwigia hexapetala - Uruguay Seedbox (aka - Water Primrose) (7) Myriophyllum spicatum - Eurasian Watermilfoil (aka - European Watermilfoil, Watermilfoil, Fox Tail) (8) Myriophyllum aquaticum - Parrotfeather (aka - Parrot
= s Feather, Watermilfoil, Golden Myriophyllum) (9) Najas minor - Brittle Naiad (aka - Slender Naiad, Sp iny leaf Naiad)27 (10) Nymphoides peltata - Yellow Floating Heart (aka - Floating Heart) (11) Panicum repens - Torpedo Grass (aka - Torpedograss) (12) Pistia stratiotes - Water Lettuce (13) Spirodela punctata - Dotted Duckweed (aka - Punctate Duckweed, Spotted Duckweed, Giant Duckweed) (14) Trapa natans - Water Chestnut (aka - European Water Chestnut)

Oklahoma Department of Agricu lture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF)

ODAFF is the agency charged with licensing aquaculture facilities. The private commercial production of fish, frogs, or ot her aquatic species OAC 35:50-1-1 prohibits the importation or exportation of minnows and other fish spec ies that are subject to the provisions of Sections 4- 105, 4-115, and 7-602 of Oklaho ma Statute Title 29. ODAFF conducts at least one inspection every two (2) years of each licensed aquaculture operation. It is unlawful for any perso n to operate a concentrated animal feeding operation without first obt aining a license from the State Board of Agriculture (Oklahoma Statute Title 2, §9-208).

ODAFF licenses all plant nursery operations (Oklahoma Statute Ti tle 2, §2-3-32). Inspections of these facilities by authorized agents of the State Boar d of Agriculture are provided for under Oklahoma Stat ute Title 2, §2-3-32.2. Ad ministrative Code 35:30-37-

6 states that authoriz ed agents have the authority to inspec t any plant or plant product for the purpose of export. Under OAC 35: 30-37-10, it is unlawful to knowingly propagate, sell, or offer for sale any aquatic plant pest, as listed un der OAC 800:20-3-2. Under Oklahoma Statute Title 2, §2-3-32.3 the State Board of Agriculture, upon finding a plant pest at any facility, shall notify the owner in writ ing and issue a stop sale until

treatment or destruction of t he plant pest is completed. No damages shall be awarded

to the owner for loss of infest ed or infected trees, plants, shr ubs, or other plant material destroyed as a result of an order of the Board.

ODAFF licenses pesticide applicators under Oklahoma Administrative Code 35:30-17- 1(8) and provides testing for such licenses under 35:30-17-4.

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Under Oklahoma Statute 252:611- 3-1, any entity conducting an activity which may result in any discharge into, or pollution or alteration of the waters of the State of Oklahoma, shall first obtain a water quality certification from the DEQ.

Oklahoma State Statute 27A § 1-3-101 gives the DEQ the aut hority to issue swimming advisories. In conjunction with this r equirement, DEQ has developed a Blue-Green Algae Response Plan to provide guidance fo r Public Drinking Water Supplies of the

State.

The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) established primary and secondary drinking water standards for the nation’s water supplies (40 CFR §141 and 40 CFR §143). These standards are co ntained in the Oklahoma De partment of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) “Regulations Governing Oper ation of Public Water Supply Systems”28 (Oklahoma Administration Code Chapt ers 626,631,652,690,and 710) as maximum allowable levels (primary standards ), and recommended allowable (secondary standards) levels. DEQ Water Quality Divisi on (DEQ WQD) is the primacy agency with regards to drinking water in Oklahoma. The DEQ WQD has public supply district engineers that manage the drinking water systems within the State.

Oklahoma State Statute 27A § 2-3-101 F gives the DEQ authority to investigate

environmental issues for the State. This is carried out by the Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division (ECLS DEQ).

Oklahoma State Statute 27A § Supp. 207, Section 2-4-201 gives the DEQ the authority to acquire, operate, and mainta in laboratories to analyze sa mples to obtain factual data to support any order, permit, function, or program of the departm ent... This authority provides the funding and maintenance for the State Environmental Laboratory. This authority is utilized to maintain the Toxics in Reservoirs program which monitors toxics
in fish and sets criteria for the DEQ to iss ue fish consumption advisories in accordance with Oklahoma Water Quality Standards. This authority is also utilized to maintain the Bio-trend program which collects and manages historical and current fish assemblage

data across the State.

Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB)

The OWRB has the following jurisdictional ar eas of environmental responsibility under Oklahoma Statute Title 27 §1-3-101:

OWRB is the lead agency for la kes eligible for funding under Section 314 of the federal Clean Water Act or other applicable sections of the federal Clean Water Act or other subsequent state and federal clean lakes pr ograms; administration of a state program for assessing, monitoring, studying and restor ing Oklahoma lakes with administration to include, but not be limited to , receipt and expenditure of f unds from federal, state and private sources for clean lakes; and implem entation of a voluntee r monitoring program to assess and monitor state water resources, provided such funds from federal Clean

Water Act sources are adminis tered and disbursed by the Office of the Secretary of Environment; and Statewide water quality standards and their accompanying use support assessment protocols, anti-degradation policy and implementation, and policies generally affecting Oklahoma Water Qualit y Standards application and implementation including but not limited to mixing zones, low flows and variances or any modification or change thereof pursuant to Section 1085.30 of Title 82 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

Under Oklahoma Statutes Ti tle 82 Chapter 14 Section 10 85.2, the OWRB is hereby designated as the state agency to administe r, receive, and manage all programs and

funds associated with Sectio n 314 or other applicable sect ions of the Federal Clean Water Act or other subsequent state and federal clean lakes programs having the purposes of assessing, monito ring, studying and restoring Oklahoma lakes, provided

such funds from Federal Clean Water Act s ources are administered and disbursed by the Office of the Secretary of Environment. In conducting the clean lakes program, the OWRB shall employ a cooperative agree ment with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) with regard to lake wa tersheds. The OCC may cooperate with the29 OWRB in providing land use inventory/assessment and stream monitoring portion of the clean lakes program. The OWRB may enter into cooperative agreements with other federal, state and local agencies as necessa ry. Any Phase II Clean Lakes projects which require watershed impl ementation of non-point source pollution control practices shall be carried out by the OCC.

Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC)

Under Oklahoma Statute Title 27A O.S. § 3-2-106, the OCC has been designated to “act as the management agency having jurisdic tion over and responsibility for directing NPS pollution prevention pr ograms outside the jurisdiction or c ontrol of cities or towns in Oklahoma. The Commission, otherwise, shall be responsible for all identified non-point source categories except silviculture, urban storm water runoff and industrial runoff.”

The OCC will “monitor, evaluate and assess waters of the state to determine the condition of streams and rivers impacted by nonpoint source pollution. In carrying out this area of responsibility, the Conservati on Commission shall serve as the technical lead agency for nonpoint source pollution cat egories as defined in Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act or other subseque nt federal or state nonpoint source programs.” In addition, the OCC will administer the Blue Thumb volunteer monitoring and education program and “provide assistance to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board on lake projects th rough stream and river monitoring, assessing watershed activities impacting lake water quality, and a ssisting in the development of a watershed management plan.”

FEDERAL

Federal regulations pertaining to the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species are fragmented and incomplete. At least 20 agencies currently work at researching and controlling invasive species with no clear author ity to prohibit or regulate the import of all classes of invasives or to regulate pathway s for movement of invasives among states. Federal laws that apply direct ly to the introduction of inva sive species include the Lacey Act, the Federal Noxious Weed Act, the Federal Seed Act, the Federal Plant Protection Act of 2000, the Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, and the National Invasive Species Act of 1996. Other Federal Laws indirectly promote the control of non-indigenous and invasive species by providin g direction or guidance to properly manage public lands a nd programs. Therefore, t he control of invasives is indirectly authorized. For example, the Endanger ed Species Act could require controls

if an ANS was shown to threaten the surviv al of a federally listed species. The Endangered Species Act could also have indi rect application if an ANS was shown to threaten the survival of a federally listed sp ecies. A description of federal agencies with programs specific to Oklahoma ANS follows.30 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

The USFWS provides federal funding for implementation of st ate and regional ANS management plans that have be en approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF). One of the major USFW S efforts on ANS is the 100th Meridian Initiative. The goals of this Initiative are to 1) prevent the spr ead of zebra mussels and

other ANS in the 100th meridi an jurisdictions and west and 2) monitor and control zebra

mussels and other ANS if dete cted in these areas. These go als will be attained through the implementation of the following six co mponents: 1) information and education, 2) voluntary boat inspections an d boater surveys, 3) involv ement of those who haul boats for commercial purposes, 4) monitoring, 5) rapid response, and 6) evaluation. This initiative represents the first large-scale focused and coordinated effort, working with federal, state, provincial an d tribal entities, potentially affected industries, and other interested parties to begin addressing the pat hway to prevent t he spread of zebra mussels. The success of this Initiative depe nds on the commitment of these groups to combat the spread of this destructive invader.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

The USACE administers the only Federally aut horized research programs directed to manage and control non-indigenous and nuisance species. The Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (APCRP) develops te chnology for the management of nonindigenous aquatic plant species. The Zebr a Mussel Research Program (ZMRP), which was expanded into the Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Program (ANSRP) conducts interdisciplinary research on t he prevention, control, and management of aquatic nuisance species that impact USAC E projects and public facilities. The programs are managed by the USACE Environmental Res earch and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS. ERDC has developed Information System Models for Plant Management, Aquatic Plants, and Zebra Mussels.

In July of 2005 a USACE Invasive Species Leadership Team (ISLT) was formed to fulfill Federal agency duties under Executive Order 13112. Comprised primarily of Division and District representatives, t heir responsibilities include 1) providing recommendations to headquarters, 2) providing strategic direct ion to research programs, 3) representing the USACE on regional invasive species coun cils 4) developing and implementing cost effective strategies to address invasive species problems that affect USACE water resource management missions, and 5) coordinat ing team initiative s with all concerned interests. The ISLT is currently develo ping a USACE Invasive Species Management Policy.

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

The U.S. Coast Guard gets its authority to r egulate ballast water and ANS from

NANPCA and NISA. NANPCA directed the Coast Guard to issue regulations and guidelines to control the in troduction and spread of ANS in the Great Lakes ecosystem. It also required an assessment of ballast wate r management practices in all U.S. ports.

NISA tasked the USCG with es tablishing a voluntary ballast water management (BWM) program for virtually all U.S. ports. The Coast Guard's BWM program is the primary31 emphasis related to ANS in the inland river system. Current USCG efforts include establishing mandatory BWM standards and pr actices, establishing a program to approve ballast water treatment technologies, establishing penalties for failure to submit required reports, and increasing the applicability to all ships with ballast water tanks bound for all ports or places in U.S. waters.

REGIONAL

The Western Regional Panel WRP

The WRP on ANS was formed under a provision of NISA to help limit the introduction, spread, and impacts of invasive s into western North Americ a. This panel includes representatives from federal, state, tribal, Canadian provinci al, local agencies, and from private environmental and commercial interests.

The Mississippi River Basin Regional Panel (MRBP)

The MRBP on ANS was formed un der a provision of NISA to identify priorities for activities, develop and submit recommendati ons to the national AN STF, coordinate ANS program activities, advise pub lic and private interests on co ntrol efforts, and submit an annual report to the ANSTF describing preventi on, research, and control activities in the Mississippi River Basin. This panel includes represent atives from federal, state, tribal, and local agencies and from private envir onmental and commercial interests.

Western Governors Association (WGA)

The WGA is developing a new program to address undesirable non-indigenous aquatic and terrestrial species in the West because of the significant economic and ecological harm they cause. WGA has formed a worki ng group of state and federal agencies, industry, non-governmental org anizations and academia to develop strategies to limit the spread of these species.32 

### F. Objectives, Strategies, Actions, & Cost Estimates

OBJECTIVE 1: Coordinate and implemen t a comprehensive management plan.

Problem Definition: There is no clear authority or agency charged with limiting and managing ANS in Oklahoma. Most management activities are focused on isolated problems and not concerned wit h addressing the issue of ANS comprehensively. Oklahoma needs an organized and centralized approach to ANS management to prevent duplication of effort and eliminate gaps in coverage of ANS issues. State ANS management efforts need to be c oordinated with region al and national effo rts. The lack of coordination, oversight, and funding has allowed many nuisance species to become established in Oklahoma, and permits new introductions.

Establishment of a management plan with appropriate implementat ion, authority and resources will permit effective prevention a nd management of ANS. Most importantly, native species and habitat can be protected from the competition, introduction of parasites and diseases, and predation caused by some ANS.

Current Agency Activities

ODWC

ODWC has regulated the use and development of warm water fisheries through lake management plans that emphasize the protection of native species. Th e introduction of fish species in Oklahoma streams and reservoirs, out side their native range, is evaluated closely and discouraged if any at risk species are compromised. ODWC has developed and implemented a Hazard Analysis Critical Contro l Point (HACCP) program to prevent the spread of ANS through Fisheries Division field and hatchery activities.

DEQ

DEQ has historical and current fish assembl age data across the State completed through the Bio-Trend Program. DE Q will develop and implement a HACCP plan.

DEQ’s Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division is tasked with investigating

environmental issues within the State. When a complaint that pe rtains to ANS is identified, the

Customer Services Division of t he DEQ will be contacted to assist in the investigation. ODWC

will be notified at that time and data collected in conjunction with the investigation will be

shared.

OWRB

OWRB has produced Technical Report 05-157 ent itled, “Decontaminat ion Protocol for Aquatic Nuisance Species”. Recommendations wit hin this report are to be followed by agency staff to reduce the risk of spr eading ANS through their activities. http://www.owrb.ok.gov/st udies/reports/reports_pdf/D econtaminationdraftCP.pdf33 OCC

The OCC has adopted decontamination pr otocols recommended by the OWRB as described above. Field personnel operat e under these guidelines in order to decontaminate all equi pment after use.

National Park Service (NPS)

Operates under ANS plan for all Park Service holdings

Gaps in State Management Programs and Authorities

• Authorities are unclear • Activities are uncoordinated in the State and Region • Staffing shortages and lack of funding

Recommended Strategies and Actions

Strategy 1A: Coordinate all ANS management program s and activities within Oklahoma.

Task 1A1: Create and fund an ANS Coordinator pos ition with the ODWC. (ODWC)

Task 1A2: Create and fund ANS support staff positi ons within key state agencies. (ODWC)

Task 1A3: Develop an ANS training/management class for agency personnel

associated with the ANS Stat e Task Force. (USFWS)

Task 1A4 : Conduct an annual symposium focused on ANS in Oklahom a and potential management alternatives. (ODWC)

Task 1A5 : Coordinate with tribal governments regarding ANS management. (ODWC)

Task 1A6 : Coordinate ANS activities with wa tershed-based organizations and other local governments and/or coor dinating bodies. (ODWC)

Task 1A7: Assign a priority class to all est ablished non-indigenous aquatic species present in Oklahoma. (ODWC)

Task 1A8: Develop a set of uniform definitions and terms to describe aquatic nuisance species. (ODWC)

Task 1A9: Develop, authorize, maintain and adm inister the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force in Oklahoma. (ODWC)34 Strategy 1B: Participate in and support regional, f ederal, and international efforts to

control ANS.

Task 1B1: The Oklahoma Aquatic Nuisance Spec ies Program Coordi nator will work with state, federal and private entities to i dentify personnel with ANS responsibilities. (ODWC)

Task 1B2: Support and participate in the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force’s Mississippi River Basin Panel and We stern Regional Panel. (ODWC)

Task 1B3: Support the 100 th Meridian Project. (USFWS)

Task 1B4: Establish working partnerships with ANS management programs in regional states to facilitate the sharing of data and coordination of management activities. (USFWS)

Task 1B5: Support the Zebra Mussel Task Force in Oklahoma. (ODWC)

Task 1B6: Support the Golden Alga Task Force in Oklahoma. (ODWC)

Task 1B7: Support the ANS Plant Task Forc e in Oklahoma. (ODWC)

Strategy 1C: Develop a permanent funding mechanism for ANS management in

Oklahoma.

Task 1C1: Explore ideas for permanent funding of ANS management activities. (ODWC)

Task 1C2: Work with the Oklahoma legislatur e to establish/create a permanent Foundation for ANS funding in Oklahoma. (ODWC)

Strategy 1D: Review and evaluate state efforts in addressing ANS.

Task 1D1: Conduct a periodic assessment of ANS species presence and abundance in Oklahoma. (ODWC)

Task 1D2: Support the development of a state benchmark on invasive species. (ODWC)

Task 1D3: Produce an annual update of the state ANS plan. (ODWC)35 OBJECTIVE 2: Prevent the introducti on of new ANS into Oklahoma.

Problem Definition: There are numerous pathways by wh ich invasive species arrive and potentially become established in Oklahom a. For example, zebra mussels first

became established in Oklahoma as a result of barge traffic moving from the Great Lakes down the Mississippi River and up th rough the McClellen-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation system. Zebra mussels have al so spread naturally downstream from a founding population in El Dora do Lake, Kansas via the Ark ansas River and now infest Kaw, Sooner, and Keystone reservoirs. Recr eational boaters were the likely pathway for zebra mussels to become established in Oologah Reservoir. Anglers likely intentionally introduced hydrilla to Arbuckle, Murray, and So oner Reservoirs. Pathways for the spread of golden alga are not we ll understood. Underst anding how various pathways function as conduits for ANS into Oklahoma is critical for intercepting species and preventing introductions. Introduction of s pecies into public waters by private individuals is currently legal upon receiving written permi ssion from the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Impl ementation of a program that reviews (risk assessment) and regulates which species are intenti onally allowed into Oklahoma, and monitors the pathways by which species can be unintentionally transported into the state, is necessary to slow the rate at which new species become

established. Prevention is t he most cost effective and en vironmentally sound method of addressing this problem. No comprehensive program currently exists in Oklahoma that would prevent new ANS introductions or establish cont rol/eradication protocols should

ANS become established.

Current Agency Activities :

ODWC

ODWC has hired a full-ti me ANS Coordinator.

ODWC reviews and maintains a list of prohibit ed fish and plant species. Introductions of all species by private entities into public waters must re ceived written approval from the

Director.

ODWC staff has participated in collecti ng boater surveys sponsored by the 100 th

Meridian Initiative of the Fi sh and Wildlife Service to det ermine if recreational boaters were transporting zebra mussels and whether individuals were aware of the threat posed by zebra mussels.

ODWC developed and distribut es a “Don’t Free Lily” brochur e to aquatic plant retailers and water garden societies which lists pr ohibited plant species and recommends appropriate disposal strat egies for unwanted plants.

ODAFF

ODAFF licenses plant nurseries and conducts inspections to check for presence of aquatic plants on the prohibite d list. ODAFF licenses privat e aquaculture facilities and inspects those facilities for the pres ence of species on the prohibitive list.36 USACE

The Tulsa District initiated and has served as the lead agency for the Oklahoma Zebra Mussel Task Force since 1993. They provid e I&E material, conduct training, give presentations to water interests across the state, mailed information notices to water users and policy makers, provide interviews with media sources, and maintain a Zebra Mussel link on their web page to educate the pub lic and agencies of the hazards of ANS

introductions.

Gaps in State Prevention Programs and Authorities

 Limited authority and funding to quarant ine species and points of origin

 Limited authority to enforce regulat ions for possession of illegal species

 Limited inspection programs of plant nurseries and commercial fish operations

 Minimal penalties for vi olating existing statutes

 No regulation of mail order or internet sales of organisms

 Lack of legislated risk assessment protocol for approving introductions

 Lack of legislated criteria and/or ri sk assessment documentation incumbent for applicants to provide with introduction applications

Recommended Strategies and Actions

Strategy 2A: Identify ANS that have the greatest potential to infest Oklahoma waters and identify existing and potent ial pathways that facilitate new

ANS introductions.

Task 2A1: Generate a regional lis t of ANS and evaluate the potential threat posed to Oklahoma by each. (ODWC)

Task 2A2: Compile movement information of ANS on a regional level and predict the potential for possible in vasion into Oklahoma waters. (ODWC)

Task 2A3: Identify existing and potential transpor t pathways that would facilitate

the introduction of these ANS into Oklahoma. (ODWC)

Strategy 2B: Establish approaches to facilitate le gislative, regulat ory, and other actions needed to prevent new ANS movements into and out of Oklahoma and promote rules that es tablish the state’s authority to

control these movements.

Task 2B1: Promote legislati on and regulatory rules that establish or increases the state’s authority to control the introducti on and movement of ANS. (ODWC)37  Establish the authority to detain and require cleaning of any vehicle,

vessel or water based equipment cont aining, infested, or potentially infested with ANS traveling in Oklahoma.

 Increase the authority of the Stat e to regulate the importation of

aquatic organisms and establish m eaningful penalties for violations.

 Require that any inte ntionally imported or ex ported organism is free

of diseases, parasites, and other unpermitted (nontarget) organisms.

 Amend Statutes and Administrative Codes to change use of diploid

grass carp in private waters to exclusively triploid grass carp.

 Amend Title 800 to specifically pr ohibit and establish penalties for

bait bucket releases unless bait wa s obtained from release site.

 Amend Title 800 to include protocol s for evaluating and approving

introduction requests

 Amend Title 800 to require risk assessment documentation from

applicants seeking introduction permits

 Prohibit live transport of fish obtai ned in the wild unless specifically

permitted to do so.

 Develop cooperative agreements with states that share common

waters.

Task 2B2: Prohibit the importation of non-indigenous aquatic species based upon their invasive potential. (ODWC)

 Train ANS Coordinator in risk assessment methodologies

 Establish risk assessment prot ocols for proposed introductions of

non-indigenous species.

Task 2B3: Develop a list of approved species that may be imported into Oklahoma. (ODWC)

 Establish legislation to change pr ohibited species list to list of

species that can be possessed.

Task 2B4: Increase enforcement and awareness of existing laws controlling the transport, propagation, sale, collect ion, possession, importation, purchase, cultivation, distribution, and in troduction of ANS and establish meaningful pena lties for illegal introductions of ANS into Oklahoma waters. (ODWC)

 Train federal, state, and loca l aquatic regulatio n enforcement

personnel on ANS identif ication and regulations.

 Distribute information on ANS laws to businesses that import

aquatic organisms.

Task 2B5: Participate in regional and national forums to ensure coordinated efforts to prevent the introducti on of new ANS into Oklahoma. (ODWC)38 Objective 3: Detect, moni tor, and eradicate ANS

Problem Definition: Once invasive species have arri ved there is often a window of opportunity to eradicate small pioneering popul ations before they become a nuisance. However, ANS are often not detected until nuisance populations are fo rmed. Usually it is too late or too expensive to eradicate a species once it has reached a nuisance level, and when management is conducted after a popu lation is well-established, long-term routine activities will often be require d to control the po pulation and reduce environmental impacts. By initiating a detect ion and monitoring pr ogram, the State will be able to discover and manage pioneering infe stations at a point when the species can

be eradicated in a cost effective manner.

Current Agency Activities:

ODWC

ODWC reviews and maintains a list of prohibited fish and pl ant species. Introductions of listed species into public waters are prohibited.

ODWC developed and distribut es a “Don’t Free Lily” brochur e to aquatic plant retailers and water garden societies which lists pr ohibited plant species and recommends appropriate disposal strat egies for unwanted plants.

ODWC field staff looks for ANS duri ng routine field/survey activities.

ODAFF

ODAFF conducts inspections of plant nurseries to check for presence of aquatic plants on the prohibited list.

DEQ

DEQ has historical and current fish assembl age data across the State completed through the Bio-Trend Program. Data will be provided to ODWC to review fo r non-native fish populations. DEQ Field staff will also repor t any other nuisance species (mussels or plant) which are identified during any sample collection. DEQ’s Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division is tasked with investigating

environmental issues within the State. When a compla int that pertains to ANS is identified, the

Customer Services Division of t he DEQ will be contacted to assist in the investigation. ODWC

will be notified at that time and data collected in conjunction with the investigation will be

shared.

OCC The OCC employs a number of field personnel who regularly monitor water quality, conduct habitat evaluations, and sample macroi nvertebrates and fish in streams across

Oklahoma. The OCC field staff will docum ent and report any nuisance species sighted during field activities. In addition, the Blue Thumb program has trained volunteers who39 monitor water quality across the state, and these individuals will look for and report nuisance species.

USACE

Lake staff monitors Zebra Mussel presence/ absence and ANS plants at USACE lakes.

Local water users are educated as to t he potential pathways for infestations. Cooperation is solicited to monitor and detect ANS being brought to the lakes.

Tulsa District staff shares information with the ZMTF of changes and activities locally and across the nation; support monitoring a nd studies by other agencies and academia; and provide I&E materials and training.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)

Monitored zebra mussel presence/absence at several lakes under BOR jurisdiction.

Oklahoma State University (OSU)

Compile databases on distri bution of native and no n-indigenous plants. Monitored zebra mussel populations at Oologah and Kaw reservoirs.

University of Oklahoma (OU)

University staff conducts periodic su rveys and compile a database of known

occurrences of all non-indi genous plants species. Moni tor seasonal abundance of golden alga at Lake Texoma.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

TNC compiles lists of invasive species in their conservation areas through the use of sampling records, scientific literature and field surveys. TNC also establishes distribution data on those invasive species and incorporates that information into the development of their streams database.

Gaps in State Detection & Monitoring Programs and Authorities

 Limited inspection programs of plant nurseries and aquarium trade operations

 Minimal penalties for vi olating existing statutes

 No regulation of mail order or internet sales of organisms

 Lack of a risk assessment protocol for approving introductions

 Lack of training to identify ANS

Recommended Strategies and Actions

Strategy 3A: Implement a surveillance and early detection program.40 Task 3A1: Identify and survey high-risk wate rs and establish baseline data. (ODWC)

Task 3A2: Create and train a citizen-monitoring network to work in cooperation with state agencies. (ODWC)

Task 3A3: Work with watershed-based organi zations to ensure ANS are included in ongoing monito ring programs. (OCC)

Task 3A4: Distribute zebra mussel colonization substrates (Portland samplers) for individuals to deploy and monitor. (USFWS)

Task 3A5: Support ANS monitoring by the Gr and River Dam Authority. (GRDA)

Task 3A6: Conduct periodic aerial surveys to det ect colonies of plants. (ODWC)

Task 3A7: Identify high-risk waters for golden alga blooms and conduct surveys to determine presence/absence. (OU/ODWC)

Strategy 3B: Develop an early response mechanism to deal with detected and potential invasive species

.

Task 3B1: Develop an emergency response plan for all High Priority species (ODWC)

Task 3B2: Fund and manage an early respons e fund. (Leg./Gov./ANSTF)

Strategy 3C: Eradicate pioneering populations of ANS.

Task 3C1: Begin control of hydrilla at Lakes Murray and Sooner. (OTRD, ODWC)

Objective 4: Control and er adicate established ANS that have significant impacts.

Problem Definition: Established ANS populations can spread to uninfested waters, thereby increasing their potential for econ omic and ecological damage. Established non-indigenous species often create the most noticeable impacts, yet they are often impossible to eradicate or cont rol. Management activities ar e most effective when they are directed at limiting the impacts of a population or st opping that population from spreading to new waterbodies. Management ac tivities must be focused on populations of established species where there current ly is or presumabl y will be a clear and significant impact on native spec ies, and where the control or eradication of specific populations is feasible both economically and technically.41 Current Agency Activities :

ODWC

ODWC issues permits for comme rcial fish, mussel, and turtle harvest, minnow seiners, and scientific collectors. ODWC developed and di stributes a brochure that illustrates the need and methods to prevent spread of ANS th rough these activities. A similar brochure has been developed and distributed to bass fishing tournament organizers.

ODWC has developed and distributes a brochur e that illustrates the Noxious Aquatic

Plants that threaten Okl ahoma and the need and methods to prevent spreading these ANS to new aquatic environments.

ODWC is the point contact with the ANS Plant Task Force (PTF). The PTF is in the process of developing protoc ols for management and control of Hydrilla in reservoirs.

ODWC has developed protocols for reducing the risk of spreading ANS through its field and hatchery activities. These procedures can be found at http://www.wildlifedepartmen t.com/nuisancespecies.htm.

DEQ

DEQ monitors public drinking water systems across the State. Ot her agencies need to work with DEQ WQD to assess any vulnerability for contamination of a public drinking water system when utilizing chemicals for treat ment or eradication of ANS. The contact for this program is Kay Coffey.

DEQ’s Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division is tasked with investigating

environmental issues within the State. When a compla int that pertains to ANS is identified, the

Customer Services Division of t he DEQ will be contacted to assist in the investigation. ODWC

will be notified at that time and data collected in conjunction with the investigation will be

shared.

OWRB

OWRB has produced Technical Report 05-157 ent itled, “Decontaminat ion Protocol for Aquatic Nuisance Species”. Re commendations within this repor t are to be followed by agency staff to reduce the risk of spr eading ANS through their activities. http://www.owrb.ok.gov/s tudies/reports/reports_pdf /DecontaminationdraftCP.pdf

OCC

The OCC has adopted decontamination pr otocols recommended by the OWRB as described above. Field personnel operat e under these guidelines in order to decontaminate all equi pment after use.42 USACE

The ERDC has produced numerous Technical Notes detailing controls for ANS and maintains Information Systems on their webs ite and on compact disk for Zebra Mussels, Plant Management, and Aquatic Plants.

The Tulsa District cooperates with water us ers being impacted by Zebra Mussels to educate them on possible control methods.

The Tulsa District monitors ANS plants at USACE lakes and implements controls as

needed.

Gaps in State Control and Eradication Programs and Authorities

 No state agency has a clear program direct ed at controlling or eradicating ANS.

 Lack of information/training on control and eradication methods.

 Coordinated control efforts lacking.

 Current efforts are directed at individual populations and not at controlling a species

distribution and extent.

Recommended Strategies and Actions

Strategy 4A : Limit the dispersal of established ANS to new waterbodies or to new areas of a waterbody.

Task 4A1: Establish protocols for priority ANS, that will pr ovide guidance in designing and implementing control and eradication strategies. (ODWC)

Task 4A2: Support scientific research betw een state and federal agencies and

academic institutions that investi gate potential contro l strategies and associated environmental impacts. (ODWC)

Task 4A3: Ensure that the control strategi es developed and implemented by the

state are done in coordination wi th federal agencies, local governments, inter-jurisdictional organizations and other appropriate entities. (ODWC)

Task 4A4: Ensure that control strategies are based on the best available

scientific information and conducted in an environmentally sound manner. (ODWC)

Task 4A5: Develop guidelines to ensure the cleaning of water-based equipment that may accidentally spread ANS when moved from infested to uninfested waters. (ODWC)43 Task 4A6: Try to limit the spread of estab lished ANS, through reducing the disturbance of existing populations by boats, through the use of warning signs and buoys in infested areas. (ODWC)

Objective 5: Inform the public, policy ma kers, natural resource workers, private industry, and user groups about the risks and impacts of ANS.

Problem Definition: The lack of awareness concerni ng ANS impacts is one of the largest management obstacles. Few people understand the thre at some non-indigenous species pose and how their actions mi ght introduce them. Uninformed people have introduced many ANS through t he dumping of an aquarium or a bait bucket, launching of a contaminated boat, or stocking of a private pond. The improper importation and holding of organisms have allowed species to escape, or caused the receipt of unwanted organisms mixed in wi th intentionally imported ones. Many policy makers, natural resource administrators, and priv ate interest groups have facilitated the intentional introductions of species for certain economic or recreational purposes, without understanding the effects these spec ies would have on native species. These

intentional and unin tentional methods of introduction c an be eliminated or curtailed by educating people about their potent ial to transfer non-indige nous species to Oklahoma.

Current Agency Activities:

ODWC

ODWC has included information on ANS in t he state fishing regulations and on its website, developed a “Don’t Free Lily” br ochure, developed a zebra mussel brochure, developed a golden alga fact sheet, and included ANS information to private individuals and organizations requesting permits from t he agency. Periodic press releases on ANS

issues have been issued.

ODAFF

ODAFF conducts inspections of plant nurseries to check fo r presence of aquatic plants on the prohibited list.

DEQ

DEQ has developed a Blue-Green Algae Response Plan to prov ide guidance for Public Drinking Water Supplies of t he State. In conjunction with this program, a fact sheet has been developed to educate the public on the effects of blue-green algae.

OCC The OCC has incorporated information about ANS into its Blue Thumb educational program. This program offers tr aining to new volunteers about six times per year. In addition, the OCC will include educational ma terial about ANS in its area-specific projects, where applicable.44 USACE

The Tulsa District initiated and has served as the lead agency for the Oklahoma Zebra Mussel Task Force since 1993. They provid e I&E material, conduct training, give presentations to water interests across the state, mailed information notices to water users and policy makers, provides interviews with media sources, and maintain a Zebra Mussel link on their web page to educate the pub lic and agencies of the hazards of ANS

introductions.

OSU

OSU is developing an Ecology of Invasive Spec ies Course to be taught in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

OU

OU has developed a golden al ga website that addresses t he research being conducted on Lake Texoma and throughout the state. http://faculty-staff.ou.edu/H/Karl.D.Hambright-1/

Gaps in State Education Programs and Authorities:

 ANS is not addressed as an issue.

 Inadequate information is disseminated to the public.

 Few natural resource workers hav e the training to identify ANS.

Recommended Strategies and Actions:

Strategy 5A: Educate the public about ANS, how thei r actions can prevent the spread and introduction of AN S and how they can help reduce the impac ts of existing ANS.

Task 5A1: Continue the incorporation of ANS information into state hunting and fishing regulations (ODWC)

Task 5A2: Create an educational curriculum on ANS for K1-12 schools. Explore options through 4-H programs to develop such curricula. (ODWC/AREP)

Task 5A3: Produce press releases on specific ANS. (ODWC)

Task 5A4: Create articles, videos and web- based media concerning ANS. (ODWC)

Task 5A5: Distribute information on ANS at vari ous conferences, shows, fishing tournaments, and public gatherings. (ODWC)45 Task 5A6: Develop ANS identification cards to be distributed with hunting and fishing licenses. (ODWC)

Task 5A7: Develop an “Oklahoma friendly” plant labeling system in conjunction with the nursery industry. (ODAFF)

Strategy 5B: Inform policymakers on the extent, impact, and potential for harm of

ANS.

Task 5B1: Conduct field trips for policymakers to demonstrate ANS impacts and controls. (ODAFF/ODWC)

Task 5B2: Produce legislative information packets outlining the threats of ANS, management alternatives, and the funds needed to address ANS in Oklahoma. (ODWC/ODAFF)

Strategy 5C: Train natural resource work ers in identifying ANS.

Task 5C1: Conduct identification seminars fo r field personnel. (ODAFF/ODWC)

Strategy 5D: Educate private industry on the la ws regulating and effects of ANS.

Task 5D1: Expand distribution of a pamphlet fo r the nursery industry identifying ANS, the laws regulati ng them, and their effect s in natural systems. (ODAFF)

Task 5D2: Distribute information on ANS to businesses selling aquatic organisms, such as pet stores. (ODAFF/ODWC)

Task 5D3: Provide information to fishing tournament organizers on ANS. (ODWC)

Objective 6: Conduct/support research to determine risks associated with pathways of introduction/spread; envi ronmental conditions favorable for establishment of ANS; interactions with native species; and cost-effective and environmentally safe control/eradication measures.

Problem Definition: Little is known about the ext ent and magnitude of the ANS problem in Oklahoma. Research is needed to quantify and clarify the effect ANS poses

to Oklahoma water resources. Some of t he research questions relevant to the ANS problem include: 1) determining the risks a ssociated with pathways of introduction and spread; 2) the environm ental conditions necessary for ANS to become established; 3) interactions among ANS and native s pecies and the consequences of those interactions; and 4) which management opti ons will provide the best results in controlling or eradicating ANS populations.46 Current Agency Activities :

OSU

OSU is conducting research to determi ne the range and densities of zebra mussel populations within the Tallgra ss Prairie Region as part of the Oklahoma State Wildlife

Action Plan.

OU

OU is conducting research on the toxicology of the prymnesin to xin to various sport fishes and zooplankton and the ecological interact ions of golden alga with phytoplankton and zooplankton communities in Lake Texoma. OU is also currently monitoring golden alga abund ance on Lake Texoma and in vestigating physical, chemical, and ecological triggers to blooms and toxin production. A proposed expansion

of these efforts on a statewide basis would i dentify high-risk waters and focus efforts to control spread to uninfested water bodies . Development of a web-based database on golden alga survey work is ongoing.

OU has funding to initiate a study on Daphnia lumholtzi genetics and ecology.

ODWC

ODWC funds research on zebra mussels through OSU and golden alga through OU.

DEQ

DEQ collects annual fish assemblage data acro ss the State completed through the Bio-Trend Program. Data will be provided to ODWC to review for non-native fish populations.

DEQ’s Environmental Complaints and Local Services Division is tasked with investigating

environmental issues within the State. When a compla int that pertains to ANS is identified, the

Customer Services Division of t he DEQ will be contacted to assist in the investigation. ODWC

will be notified at that time and data collected in conjunction with the investigation will be

shared.

USACE

The Tulsa District monitors the USACE lakes for ANS presence/absence and densities. They also support agency and academia research at the lakes, and keep informed of impacts to water users.

The Tulsa District is actively involved in national efforts and keeps informed of Zebra

Mussel control and eradication research. Updates are provided to the ZMTF.

The ERDC has produced numerous Technical Notes detailing controls for ANS and maintains Information Systems on their webs ite and on compact disk for Zebra Mussels, Plant Management, and Aquatic Plants.47 USFWS

USFWS is conducting surveys of zebra mu ssel occurrence and abundance on selected water bodies using Portland samplers.

Gaps in State Prevention Programs and Authorities

 Limited funding is available to conduct research

 Poor understanding of basic biology and impacts of ANS

 Limited management options for control/eradication

 Lack of thorough survey of AN S distribution wit hin the state

Recommended Strategies and Actions

Strategy 6A: Support research that identifies, predicts, and prioritizes potential

ANS introductions.

Task 6A1: Identify life histories and impacts of introduced aquatic plants and animals. (ODWC)

Task 6A2: Identify critical data n eeded to prevent the introd uction of new ANS. (ODWC)

Task 6A3: Attend scientific and technica l conferences addressing the mechanisms by which new ANS spread. (ODWC)

Task 6A4: Monitor ongoing research efforts attempting to develop control mechanisms for new ANS. (ODWC)

Strategy 6B: Research management alternatives for their effect on ANS and native species.

Task 6B1: Investigate the relationship be tween human-induced disturbance of aquatic and riparian systems and AN S invasion, establishment, and impacts. (ODWC)

Task 6B2: Investigate new and innovative met hods of control/eradicate ANS. (ODWC)

Strategy 6C: Facilitate the collection and dispersal of information, research results,

and data on ANS in Oklahoma.

Task 6C1: Utilize existing field personnel to document the distribution and abundance of ANS. (ODWC)

Task 6C2: Create a database of stakeholders to receive annual ANS updates. (ODWC)48 Task 6C3: Utilize the internet to distribute information and research findings via an agency website. (ODWC)



### G. Priorities for Action

Often efforts to address ANS problems are im plemented after the species has arrived and become widely distributed. As a resul t, these efforts are often reactive and ineffective. The purpose of this managemen t plan is to expand the scope of efforts in

Oklahoma to deal with the thr eats posed by all ANS. The goa l of this management plan is to implement a coordinated strategy designed to minimi ze the risk of further ANS introductions into Oklahoma through all know n pathways, develop funding mechanisms to implement and staff an Oklahoma ANS m anagement program, where practical, stop the spread of ANS already present and eradicate or control ANS to a minimal level of impact. By forming this management plan, it is expected that the pr oblems other states have experienced can be minimized or completely avoided. Initially, this plan will focus on the Priority Class 1 species listed below. As this program evolves, the focus will shift to the development and implementation of new programs designed to address the lower priority species and/or species yet to be determined as threats.

PRIORITY CLASS 1 Priority Class 1 species are present and estab lished in Oklahoma, have the potential to spread in Oklahoma, and ther e are limited or no known management strategies for these species. These species can be managed th rough actions that involve mitigation of impact, control of population size, and preventi on of dispersal to other water bodies.

• Bighead Carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis )

• Golden Alga ( Prymnesius parvum )

• Grass Carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella )

• Hydrilla ( Hydrilla verticillata )

• Silver Carp ( Hypophthalmichthys molitrix )

• White Perch ( Morone americana )

• Zebra Mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha )

PRIORITY CLASS 2 Priority Class 2 species are currently not k nown to be present in Oklahoma, but have a high potential to invade and there are limit ed or no known management strategies for these species. Appropriate management fo r this class includes prevention of

introductions and/or eradicati on of pioneering populations.

• Black Carp ( Mylopharyngodon piceus )

• Northern Snakehead ( Channa argus )

• Quagga Mussels ( Dreisena bugensis )

• Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia

• New Zealand Mudsnail ( Potamopyrgus antipodarum )

• Rusty Crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus )

• Spring Viremia of Carp

• Whirling Disease ( Myxobolus cerebralis )49 PRIORITY CLASS 3 Priority Class 3 species are not known to be established in Oklahoma and have a high potential for invasion and appropriate management techniques are available. Appropriate management for this class in cludes prevention of introductions and/or eradication of pi oneering populations.

• Giant Salvinia ( Salvinia molesta )

• Didymo ( Didymosphenia geminate )

PRIORITY CLASS 4 Priority Class 4 species are present and have the potential to spread in Oklahoma but there are management strategies available for these species. These species can be managed through actions that involve mitigati on of impact, control of population size, and/or prevention of dispersa l to other water bodies.

• Purple Loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria )

• Alligatorweed ( Alternanthera philoxeroides )

• Exotic Water Flea ( Daphnia lumholtzi )

• Eurasian Watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum )

• Nutria ( Myocastor coypus )

• Largemouth Bass Virus

• Rudd ( Scardinius erythrophthalmus )

• Brook Stickleback ( Culaea inconstans )

• Water Hyacinth ( Eichornia crassipes )50H. Implementation TableCurrently, Oklahoma has funding for the development of an aquatic nuisance species management plan, but not for theimplementation of the plan. Therefore, funding amounts on the implementation table will be dependent upon the level offederal funding allocated after plan approval and securing funding from additional outside sources.Strategic Actions/Tasks FundsLead Cooperative Recent ($000/FTE’s)Planned ($000/FTE’s)Plan # Description Source Agency Agencies FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10Objective 1: Coordinate and implement a comprehensive management plan1A Coordinate ANS Management Programs1A1 Create and Fund an ANS Coor. ODWC 40/1 50/1 50/11A2 Create and Fund ANS staff ODWC1A3 Develop ANS Training USFWS USACE, ODWC1A4 Conduct Annual symposium in OKODWC USACE, USFWS 5/0.1 5/0.11A5 Coordinate With tribal Govt. ODWC USFWS1A6 Coord w/NGO’s & local governments ODWC USACE,USFWS1A7 Assign priority class to all species ODWC USACE,USFWS1A8 Develop definitions and terms ODWC USACE,USFWS1A9 Authorize ANS Task Force in OK ODWC USFWS1B Support regional efforts for control of ANS in Oklahoma1B1 Identify AGENCY responsibilities ODWC USACE,USFWS1B2 Support MRBP and WRP ODWC USFWS1B3 Support 100thMeridian USFWS USACE, ODWC1B4 Data Sharing on Regional Basis USFWSODWCUSACE, OCC,OU1B5 Support Zebra Mussel TaskForce ODWC USACE,USFWS,OCC1B6 Support Golden Alga Task Force ODWC USACE, OCC,OU1B7 Support ANS Plant Task Force ODWC USACE, OCC1C Permanent Funding Mechanism1C1 Explore Funding Ideas ODWC1C2 Establish ANS Foundation ODWC USFWS1D Evaluate ANS Plan Progress1D1 Conduct ANS Surveys ODWC USFWS,USACE 20/0.1 10/0.1 13/0.1 5/0.1 5/0.11D2 Establish Distribution Benchmark ODWC TNC1D3 Publish & Distribute Annual UpdateODWC USFWS, USACE 2/0.1 2/0.151Strategic Actions/Tasks FundsSourceLeadAgencyCooperativeAgenciesRecent ($000/FTE’s) Planned ($000/FTE’s)Plan # Description FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10Objective 2: Prevent the introduction of new ANS into Oklahoma2AIdentify ANS that have the greatest potential to infest Oklahoma2A1 Generate a regional list of ANS ODWC USFWS, USACE,TNC2A2 Compile ANS movement data ODWC USFWS, USACE2A3 Identify transport pathwaysODWC USFWS, USACE2B Establish approaches to prevent new ANS introductions2B1 Strengthen statutory authorities ODWC2B2 Prohibit transport of ANS ODWC2B3 Develop list of approved species ODWC USFWS, USACE2B4 Increase awareness/enforcement ODWC USFWS, USACE,OCC, ODAFF2B5 Coordinate preventionODWC USFWS, USACE,OCCObjective 3: Detect, monitor, and eradicate ANS3AImplement a surveillance and early detection program3A1 Annual survey of high-riskwaters ODWC USACE, USFWS20/0.1 10/0.1 13/0.1 10/0.1 10/0.13A2 Create & train citizen network ODWC USACE, USFWS,OCC, OSU3A3 Work with watershed council OCC3A4 Distribute zm colonization substrates USFWS USACE3A5 Support ANS monitoring by GRDA GRDAOCC, ODWC 5/0.1 5/0.1 5/0.1 5/0.13A6 Conduct surveillance flights ODWC3A7 Conduct golden alga surveysOU, ODWCUSACE, OWRB3B Develop an early response mechanism3B1 Develop emergency response plan ODWC USACE, USFWS3B2 Fund & manage early response fund Leg.,Gov.,ANSTF3C Eradicate pioneering populations of ANS3C1 Treat hydrilla in Murray & Sooner ODWC,OTRD1.5/0.1 1.5/0.152Strategic Actions/Tasks FundsLead Cooperative Recent ($000/FTE’s)Planned ($000/FTE’s)Plan # Description Source Agency Agencies FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10Objective 4: Control and eradicate established ANS that have significant impacts4A Limit ANS dispersal across stateODWC USFWS, USACE4A1 Establish protocol for priority rank ODWC USFWS, USACE4A2 Support research between state-fed ODWC USFWS, USACE 5/0.14A3 Coor. Strategies w/other agencies ODWC USFWS, USACE,OCC, DEQ4A4 Control strategies based on best info ODWC USFWS, USACE,DEQ4A5 Develop cleaning guidelines ODWC USFWS, USACE,DEQ10/0.153Strategic Actions/Tasks FundsLead Cooperative Recent ($000/FTE’s)Planned ($000/FTE’s)Plan # Description Source Agency Agencies FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10Objective 5: Educate resource user groups re: risks and impacts of ANS and how to reduce the harmful impacts5A Educate the public about ANS5A1 Incorporate ANS info in regulations ODWC USFWS, USACE5A2 Create educational curriculum ODWC,OKAquariumUSFWS, USACE 20/0.1 5/0 5/05A3 Produce press releases ODWC USFWS, USACE5A4 Create articles, video & web media ODWC USFWS, USACE5A5 Distribute information onANS ODWC USFWS, USACE,OCC, DEQ5A6 Develop ANS identification cards ODWC USFWS, USACE5A7 Develop a plant labeling system ODAFF USFWS, USACE5B Inform policy makers about the extent,impact, and potential for harm of ANS5B1 Conduct field trips for policymakers ODWC,ODAFFUSFWS, USACE5B2 Produce a legislative ANS manual ODWC,ODAFFUSFWS, USACE5C Train natural resource workers in identifying ANS5C1 Conduct ANS identification seminars ODWC,ODAFFUSFWS, USACE,DEQ, OSU5D Educate private industry on the laws regulating and effects of ANS5D1 ANS pamphlet for nursery industry ODAFF5D2 Distribute information on ANS ODWC,ODAFFOCC, DEQ5D3 Provide information to tournaments ODWC 1/054Strategic Actions/Tasks FundsLead Cooperative Recent ($000/FTE’s)Planned ($000/FTE’s)Plan # Description Source Agency Agencies FY 06 FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10Objective 6: Conduct & support research on ANS and control measures6A Support research that identifies, predicts, and prioritizes potential ANS introductions6A1 Identify life histories and impacts ODWC,OUUSFWS, USACE 192/3 445/3 271/3 363/3 361/36A2 Identify critical data needsODWC USFWS, USACE6A3 Attend ANS-related conferences ODWC USFWS, USACE,OCC3/0 3/0 3/0 3/0 3/06A4 Monitor on-going research efforts ODWC USFWS, USACE6B Research management alternatives for their effect on ANS and native species6B1 Human-induced disturbance vs. ANS ODWC USFWS, USACE6B2 New methods of managing ANS ODWC USFWS, USACE6C Facilitate collection/ dispersal of ANSinformation, researchresults, and data6C1 Document ANS distribution ODWC USFWS, USACE,OCC, TNC6C2 Distribution list of ANS information ODWC USFWS, USACE,OCC6C3 Distribute ANS information via web ODWC USFWS, USACE,OCC, OSU, OU55 

### I. Program Monitoring and Evaluation

Evaluation of Oklahoma’s AN S Management Program is vital to the program’s success. This plan is intended to be fluid, allowi ng for mid-course corrections as deemed appropriate (adaptive management) . Meeting the plan’s stat ed objectives will require oversight, evaluation, and information dissemination.

An oversight committee will be establishe d upon plan approval by the ANS Task Force. This committee will be comprised of exter nal publics (as identified during the plan review process); representatives from agencies with pl an implementation responsibilities; political repr esentation (either legislative or executive); and members of the Steering Committee. The role of this interagency committee would be to annually review progress toward meeting the plan’s stated objectives. The oversight committee should establish performance measures to assess the effectiveness of management

actions. These measures could include:



###  whether or not objectives were met



###  rate of spread



###  total acreage of habitat occupied by ANS



###  changes in abundance of ANS and concomit ant decline of impacted species



###  level of public awareness of ANS issues.

Identifying funding sources should be an important fo cus of the oversight committee. Prior to plan approval by the ANSTF, temporary performance measures were established for the Oklahoma Aquatic Nu isance Species Coordinator. These performance measures will be reviewed quarterly by the Fisheries Division

administration of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Cons ervation, and are subject to change by the oversight committee.

Program monitoring is important, as unf oreseen factors may impact the progress of management actions. Unforeseen physical, c hemical, or biological stressors have the potential to affect the success of management objectives. Exam ples of potential stressors include climate change, natural disa sters, and chemical spills. Events like these can alter aquatic ecosystems, making t hem more susceptible to invasion by opening new pathways or niches. In the case that these types of events occur, program monitoring will allow us to gauge whether management actions are still effective, or

need to be altered.

The ANS Coordinator will prod uce an annual report to be reviewed by the oversight

committee and made available to all intere sted agencies and publics. The report should focus on the successes in achieving the objectives of the ANS plan and include recommendations for future management acti ons. The report should also recommend and justify any shifts in strategies deemed appropriate.56 

### J. Glossary

Accidental introduction: An introduction of non-indigen ous aquatic species that

occurs as the result of activities other t han the purposeful or inte ntional introduction of the species involved, such as the transport of non-indigenous species in ballast water or in water used to transport fish, mollusks, or crustaceans for aquaculture or other

purposes.

Aquatic nuisance species (ANS): A species that is non-native to the affected ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or

environmental harm or harm to human health . This term is synonymous with an “invasive species” as defi ned by Executive Order 13112.

Baitfish: Fish species commonly sold for use as bait for recreational fishing.

Ballast water: Any water or associated sediments used to manipulate the trim and stability of a vessel.

Control: Limiting the distribution and abundance of a species.

Ecological integrity: The extent to which an ecosyst em has been altered by human behavior; an ecosystem with minimal impact fr om human activity has a high level of integrity; an ecosystem that has been substantially altered by human activity has a low level of integrity.

Environmentally sound: Methods, efforts, actions, or programs to prevent

introductions or to control infestations of ANS that minimize adverse environmental impacts.

Eradicate: The act or process of eliminating an ANS.

Exotic: Any species or other biological materi al that enters an ecosystem beyond its historic range on the continent.

Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron (including Lake St. Clair), Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and t he connecting channels (Saint Mary's River, Saint Clair River, Detroit River, Niagara Riv er, and Saint Lawrence River to the Canadian Border),

and includes all other bodies of water withi n the drainage basin of such lakes and connecting channels.

Infested: Any waterbody where an aquatic nuisance species is known to occur.

Intentional introduction: All or part of the process by which a non-indigenous species is purposefully introduced into a new area.

Native: A plant or animal species that naturally occurs in Oklahoma and has not been

introduced outside of it s historic range.57 Non-indigenous species: Any species or other variable bi ological material that enters an ecosystem beyond it s historic range.

Pioneer infestation: A small ANS colony that has spread to a new area from an established colony.

Population: A group of individual plant or animal s pecies occupying a particular area at

the same time.

Transplant : A species that is native to Oklahom a but has been moved outside its native

range.58 

### K. Literature Cited

Belanger, S.E., J.L. Farris, D.S. Cherry, and J. Cairns, Jr. 1985. Sediment Preference Of The Freshwater Asiatic Clam, Corbic ula Fluminea. The Nautilus 99(2-3):66-

73.

Benson, A.J. E. Maynar d, and D. Raikow. 2005. Daphnia lumholtzi . Non-indigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.

Benson, A. J., P. L. Fuller, and C. C. Ja cono. 2001. Summary report of non-indigenous aquatic species in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4. USFWS report. Arlington, VA.

Boileau, M. G. 1985. The ex pansion of white perch Morone americana in the Lower

Great Lakes. Fish eries 10(1):6–10.

Burkhead, N. M., and J. D. W illiams. 1991. An intergeneric hybrid of a native minnow, the golden shiner, and an exotic minnow, t he rudd. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 120:781–795.

Courtenay, W.R., and J.D. Williams. 2004. Snakehead (Pisces, Channidae): A biological synopsis and risk assessment. USGS Circular 1251.

Dzialowski, A. R., W. J. O'Brien and S. M. Swaffar. 2000. Range expansion and potential dispersal mechanisms of the exotic cladoceran Daphnia lumholtzi

. Journal of Plankton Re search 22(12):2205-2223.

Freeze, M. and S. Henderson. 1982. Distribution and status of the bighead carp and silver carp in Arkansas. North Amer ican Journal of Fisheries Management 2(2):197-200.

Gottfried, P.K., and Osborne, A. 1982. Distribution, abu ndance and size of Corbicula manilensis (Philippi) in a spring-fe d central Florida stream. ID 1652.

Hargrave, C.W. and K. B. Gido. 2004. Evidence of reproduction by exotic grass carp in the Red and Washita Rivers, Oklahoma. Southwestern Naturalist 49:89-93.

Havel, J.E. and J.B. Shurin. 2004. Mechanism s, effects, and scales of dispersal in freshwater zooplankton. Lim nology and Oceanography 49: 1220-1238.

Heard, W.R. 1959. Live bait imports: Chrosomus eos and Eucalia inconstans as potential additions to Oklahoma's fish fauna. Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science (f or 1956) 37:47-48.

Hushak, L. J., Y. Deng, and M. Bielen. 1995. The Cost of Zebra Mussel Monitoring and Control. Aquatic Nuisance Species Digest 1(1).

Jenkinson, J.J. 1979. T he Occurrence And Spread Of Corbicula ManilensisIn Eastcentral Alabama. N autilus 94(4):149-153.59 Kolar, C.S., D.C. Chapman, W.R. Courtenay, C.M. Hous el, J.D. Williams, and D.P. Jennings. 2005. Asian carps of the genus Hypophthalmichthys (Pisces, Cyprinidae)

― a biological synopsis and environmental risk assessment. Report

to the U.S. Fish and Wildlif e Service. U.S. Geological Survey, LaCrosse, WI. 184

pages.

Lachner, E. A., C. R. Robins, and W. R. C ourtenay, Jr. 1970. Exotic fishes and other aquatic organisms introduced into North Am erica. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology 59:1-29.

Lodge, D. M., C. A. Taylor, D. M. Holdich, J. Skurdal. 2000. Non- indigenous crayfishes

threaten North American freshw ater biodiversity: lessons from Europe. Fisheries 25(8):7–20.

Mandrak, N.E. and B. Cudmor e. 2004. Risk assessment for Asian carps in Canada. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Burlington, Ontario. Re search Document 2004/103. 48 pages.

Moore, G. A., and C. D. Riggs. 1963. Checklist of known Oklahoma fishes. Pages 41-44

in Oklahoma Wildlife Commission. Know Your Oklahoma Fishes. Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma City, OK.

Nico, L. G., and P. Fuller. 2003. Rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus fact sheet. USGS Non-indigenous aquatic spec ies database. Gainsville, FL.

Nico, L. G., and P. Fuller. 2004. Black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus fact sheet. USGS Non-indigenous aquatic spec ies database. Gainsville, FL.

Nico. L., P. Fuller, and P.J. Schofield. 2006. Ctenopharyngodon idella . USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Available: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactS heet.asp?speciesID=514. Revision date:

2/2/2006.

Nico, L.G., J.D. Williams, and H.L. Jelks. 2005. Black carp: biological synopsis and risk

assessment of an introduced fish. Amer ican Fisheries Society, Special Publication 32. Bethesda, Maryland.

Nico L.G. and J.D. Williams. 1996. Risk assessment on black carp (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Final Report to the Risk Assessment and Management Co mmittee of the ANSTF. U.S. Geological Survey, Biologic al Resources Division, Gainesville,

Florida.

Pigg, J., J. Stahl, M. Ambler, and J. Smith,. 1997. Two Potent ial Sources of Exotic Fish in Oklahoma. Proceedings of the Ok lahoma Academy of Science 73:67.

Pigg, J., J. Smith, and M. Ambler. 1997. Additiona l records of bighead carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis , in Oklahoma waters. Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science 77:123.60 Pimentel, D., L. Lach, R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison. 2000. Environmental and economic costs of non-indigenous species in t he United States. BioScience 50:53-65.

Rendall, W. 1997. Non-indig enous species and upcoming guidelines for prevention. Aquatic Nuisance Species Digest 2 (2): 13, 18-19.

Richards, D. C. 2002. The New Zealand m udsnail invades. Aquatic Nuisance Species Digest Vol. 4(4):42-44.

Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman. 1990. Freshw ater fishes of Canada. Bulletin of the Fisheries Research board of Canada 184. 966 pp.

Stites, D.L., A.C. Benke, and D.M. Gillespie. 1995. Population Dynamics, Growth, and Production Of The Asiatic Clam, Corbicul a Fluminea, In A Blackwater River. Canadian Journal of Fisheries And Aquatic Sciences 52:425-437.

Trometer, E. S., Busch, W. D. N. 1999: Changes in Age-0 Fish Growth and Abundance Following the Introduction of Zebra Mussels Dreissena polymorpha in the

Western Basin of Lake Erie. North Amer ican Journal of Fisheries Management

19:604–609.

U.S. Congress Office of Technology A ssessment. 1993. Harmful non-indigenous species in the United States ,OTA-F-565. Washington, DC.

USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) . 2002. Conserving America’s fisheries: Fisheries Program vision for the future . U.S. Department of the Interior. 27 pages. Available: www.fws.gov/pacific /Fisheries/Docs/VisionDocument.PDF

Woodling, J. 1985. Colorado's little fish: a guide to the minnows and other lesser known

fishes in the state of Colorado. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver, CO. 77 pp.

Wu, L., and D. A. Culver. 1991. Zooplankton grazing and phytoplankton abundance: An

assessment before and after invasion of Dreissena polymorpha . Journal of Great

Lakes Research 17: 425-436.61 

### Appendix A List of non-indigenous* and transplanted** species in Oklahoma

Group Scientific Name Common Name Non-Indigenous/ TransplantAmphibiansFrogs Eleutherodactylus planirostris Greenhouse Frog Non-indigenous

AmphibiansFrogs Hyla cinerea Green Treefrog Non-indigenous

CoelenteratesHydrozoans Craspedacusta sowerbyi freshwater jellyfish Non-indigenous

CrustaceansCladocerans Daphnia lumholtzi water flea Non-indigenous

CrustaceansCopepods Eurytemora affinis calanoid copepod Non-indigenous

CrustaceansCrayfish Procambarus clarkii red swamp crayfish Non-indigenous

Fishes Ambloplites rupestris rock bass Transplant

Fishes Ameiurus nebulosus brown bullhead Transplant

Fishes Astyanax fasciatus banded astyanax Non-indigenous

Fishes Astyanax mexicanus Mexican tetra Non-indigenous

Fishes Campostoma oligolepis largescale stoneroller Transplant

Fishes Carassius auratus goldfish Non-indigenous

Fishes Ctenopharyngodon idella grass carp Non-indigenous

Fishes Culaea inconstans brook stickleback Non-indigenous

Fishes Cyprinella whipplei steelcolor shiner Transplant

Fishes Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis Red River pupfish Transplant

Fishes Cyprinus carpio common carp Non-indigenous

Fishes Dorosoma petenense threadfin shad Transplant

Fishes Fundulus catenatus northern studfish Transplant

Fishes Hiodon tergisus mooneye Transplant

Fishes Hypophthalmichthys nobilis bighead carp Non-indigenous

Fishes Ictalurus furcatus blue catfish Transplant

Fishes Lepomis auritus redbreast sunfish Transplant

Fishes Lepomis microlophus redear sunfish Transplant

Fishes Menidia beryllina inland silverside Transplant

Fishes Micropterus dolomieu smallmouth bass Transplant

Fishes Micropterus salmoides floridanus Florida largemouth bass Transplant

Fishes Morone americana white perch Non-indigenous

Fishes Morone chrysops x saxatilis wiper Non-indigenous

Fishes Morone saxatilis striped bass Non-indigenous

Fishes Notropis bairdi Red River shiner Transplant

Fishes Notropis blennius river shiner Transplant

Fishes Notropis boops bigeye shiner Transplant

Fishes Notropis girardi Arkansas River shiner Transplant

Fishes Notropis nubilus Ozark minnow Transplant

Fishes Notropis potteri chub shiner Transplant

Fishes Notropis shumardi silverband shiner Transplant

Fishes Oncorhynchus mykiss rainbow trout Non-indigenous

Fishes Oreochromis aureus blue tilapia Non-indigenous

Fishes Perca flavescens yellow perch Non-indigenous

Fishes Percina macrolepida bigscale logperch Transplant

Fishes Phoxinus eos northern redbelly dace Transplant

Fishes Piaractus brachypomus pirapatinga, red-bellied pacu Non-indigenous

Fishes Pimephales promelas fathead minnow Transplant

Fishes Pygocentrus nattereri red piranha Non-indigenous

Fishes Pygocentrus or Serrasalmus sp. unidentified piranha Non-indigenous

Fishes Salmo trutta brown trout Non-indigenous62 Group Scientific Name Common Name Non-Indigenous/ Transplant

Fishes Sander vitreus walleye Non-indigenous

Fishes Scardinius erythrophthalmus rudd Non-indigenous

Fishes Tinca tinca tench Non-indigenous

Fishes Umbra limi central mudminnow Non-indigenous

Fishes Xiphophorus helleri green swordtail Non-indigenous

Mammals Myocastor coypus nutria Non-indigenous

MollusksBivalves Corbicula fluminea Asian clam Non-indigenous

MollusksBivalves Dreissena polymorpha zebra mussel Non-indigenous

MollusksGastropods Cipangopaludina japonica Japanese mysterysnail Non-indigenous

MollusksGastropods Pomacea paludosa Florida applesnail Non-indigenous

Plants Alternanthera philoxeroides alligatorweed Non-indigenous

Plants Landoltia (Spirodela) punctata dotted duckweed Non-indigenous

Plants Ludwigia hexapetala Uruguay seedbox Non-indigenous

Plants Lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife Non-indigenous

Plants Myriophyllum aquaticum parrot-feather Non-indigenous

Plants Myriophyllum spicatum Eurasian water-milfoil Non-indigenous

Plants Najas minor brittle naiad Non-indigenous

Plants Nasturtium officinale water-cress Non-indigenous

Plants Nymphoides peltata yellow floating-heart Non-indigenous

Plants Marsilea quadripholia water clover Non-indigenous

Plants Potamogeton crispus curly pondweed Non-indigenousReptilesCrocodilians Alligator mississippiensis American Alligator Transplant

ReptilesCrocodilians Caiman crocodilus Common Caiman Non-indigenous

*Non-indigenous: not native to OK; **Transplant: nat ive to OK but moved outside native range63 

### Appendix B ANS Steering Committee and Technical Advisors

Steering Committee

Ashley Foster Bill Wentroth Aquatic Nuisance Species

Coordinator North Central Regional Fisheries Supervisor Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife

Conservation Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife

Conservation

P.O. Box 53465 417 S. Silverdale Lane Oklahoma City, OK 73152 Ponca City, OK 74604 afoster@odwc.state.ok.us odwc@cableone.net

Jeff Boxrucker Gene Gilliland

Assistant Chief of Fisheries Division Central Regional Fisheries Supervisor Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife

Conservation Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife

Conservation

P.O. Box 53465 500 E. Constellation Oklahoma City, OK 73152 Norman, OK 73072 jboxrucker@odwc.state.ok.us ggillokla@aol.com

Technical Advisors

Zebra Mussel Task Force Everett Laney Jeff Tompkins Biologist Natural Resource Specialist U.S. Army Corps of Engineer s U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 1645 S 101 E Ave. 420 W. Main, Suite 630 Tulsa, OK 74128 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 everett.laney@usace.army.mil jtompkins@gp.usbr.gov

Bob Pitman Caryn Vaughn Region II ANS Coordinator Herit age Biologist/Assistant Professor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Oklahoma Biological Survey P.O. Box 1306, Rm 3118 University of Oklahoma Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306 111 E. Chesapeake St. bob_pitman@fws.gov No rman, OK 73109-5112 cvaughn @ou.edu

Brooks Tramell Marley Beam Monitoring Coordinator Area Exte nsion Aquaculture Specialist

Oklahoma Conservation

Commission Oklahoma Cooperative Extension

Service 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd. 008C Ag Hall Oklahoma City, Ok 72105 Stillwater, OK 74078 brookst@okcc.state.ok.us marley.beem@okstate.edu64 Randy Parham Chuck Potts Oklahoma Dept of Environmental Quality Senior Environmental Program Specialist

P.O. Box 1677 Oklahoma Water Resources Board Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677 3800 N. Classen Blvd randy.parham@deq.state.ok.u s Oklahoma City, OK 73118 cpotts@owrb.state.ok.us

Joe Bidwell Jim Schooley

Assistant Professor Professo r of Biological Sciences Department of Zoology Northeastern State University Oklahoma State University Science 309 430 Life Sciences West Tahlequah, OK Stillwater, OK 74078 Schooley@nsuok.edu bidwelj@okstate.edu

Conrad Kleinholz Kara Williams Research Professor Oklahoma Dept of Environmental Langston University Quality

P.O. Box 1730 P.O. Box 1677 Langston, OK 73050 Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677 cklein@luresext.edu Kara.Williams@deq.state.ok.us

ANS Plant Task Force Jeanetta Cooper Paul Koenig Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture Oklahoma Water Resources Board

P.O. Box 528804 3800 N. Classen Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4298 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 jcooper@oda.state.ok.us pdk oenig@owrb.state.ok.us

TBA Jon Craig South Central Regional Supervisor Oklahoma Dept of Environmental Quality Oklahoma Dept. Wildlife Conservation P.O. Box 1677 2021 Caddo Hwy. Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677 Caddo, OK 74729-3807 jon. craig@deq.state.ok.us

Michael Smart Bruce Hoagland Ecologist Heritage Biolog ist/Assistant Professor USACE LAERF Oklahoma Biological Survey Lewisville, TX 111 E. Chesapeake St. msmart@LAERF.org Norman, OK 73109-5112 bhoagland @ou.edu

Jim Harris

USACE

1645 S. 101 E. Ave. Tulsa, OK 7412865 Steve Burrough Precious Peoples

National Park Service National Park Service

Chickasaw National Recreation Area Chickasaw National Recreation Area

P.O. Box 201 P.O. Box 201 Sulphur, OK 73086 Sulphur, OK 73086 steve_burrough@nps.gov Precious_peoples@nps.gov

Carol Jackson Mark Teders Lake Murray State Park Lake Murray State Park 18407 Scenic State Hwy 77 18407 Scenic State Hwy 77 Ardmore, OK 74401 Ardmore, OK 74401 cjackson@otrd.state.ok.us markttnc@arbuckleonline.com

At-Large Technical Advisors Larry Weider Dave Hambright

Director/Assistant Profe ssor Assistant Professor University of Oklahoma Biological

Station University of Oklahoma Biological

Station HC 71, Box 205 HC 71, Box 205 Kingston, OK 73439 Kingston, OK 73439 lweider@ou.edu dham bright@ou.edu

Darrell Townsend Brent Bristow Superintendent of Ecosystems Fishery Biologist Development Fisheries Resources Office Grand River Dam Authority U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service P.O. Box 409 5701 W. Hwy. 7 Vinita, OK 74301 Tishomingo, OK 73460 dtounsend@grda.com brent_bristow@fws.gov

David Martinez John Schutte Ecological Services Senior Staff Envirochemist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company

9014 E. 21 s t St. schuttjm@oge.com Tulsa, OK 74129 david_martinez@fws.gov

Marilyn Barrett O’Leary Richard Standage Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership Fisheries Program Manager

U.S. Forest Service Louisiana Sea Grant College Program Ouachita National Forest

P.O. Box 1270 Louisiana State University Hot Springs, AR 71902-1270 Wetland Resources Bldg. rstandage@fs.fed.us Baton Rouge, LA 70803-7507 moleary@lsu.edu66 Tony Clyde Lee Sanders

USACE Oklahoma BASS Federation Nation

1645 S. 101 E. Ave. Tr iton2lee@brightok.net Tulsa, OK 74128 Tony.clyde@usace.army.mil

Meredith Lee Joe Anderson

Education Outreach Coordinator Oklahoma Aquarium Association

Oklahoma Scenic Rivers

Commission Oklahomaaquariumassociation@qmail.

com osrc2@fullnet.net

Richard Cartlidge Phil Coventon Oklahoma Anglers Unlimited Prairie Fly Fishers 2300 E. Coleman Rd. pcoventon@cox.net Ponca City, OK 74604 chairman@oauinfo.org

John Money Doss Briggs Oklahoma Aquarium Oklahom a Anglers Unlimited jmoney@okaquarium.org dbriggs@3riversl.com

Ellen Tejan Karen R. Hickman The Nature Conservancy Associate Professor

2727 E 21 s t St. Department of Natural Resource Suite 102 Ecology and Management Tulsa, OK 74114 Oklahoma State University etejan@tnc.org 008C Agricultural Hall Stillwater, OK 74078 Karen.hickman@okstate.edu

Susan Hooks George Luker

Forest Botanist Research Professor U.S. Forest Service Langston University

Ouachita National Forest P.O. Box 1730 P.O. Box 1270 Langston, OK 73050 Hot Springs, AR 71902-1270 gluker@luresext.edu shooks@fs.fed.us

Steve Carol Oklahoma Striper Association Steve@OKFishingGuide.com67 

### Appendix C:



# OKLAHOMA HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM
RESPONSE PLAN

OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

NATURAL RESOURCES SECTION

December 7, 2005



## Table of Contents

Section Title Page

Background ..........................................................2

Introduction ..........................................................2 Objectives ............................................................3

Golden Alga, Prymnesium parvum........................ 4

Notification Initial Response

Contacts for P. parvum confirmation

Public health concerns

Surveillance Announcing the End of a Bloom

Blue Green Algae...............................................10

Notification Initial Response Contact for Species Confirmation

Effects on Wildlife

Surveillance Announcing the End of a Bloom

OKLAHOMA HARMFUL ALGAL BL OOM (HAB) RESPONSE PLAN68 BACKGROUND

Concern among state and federal agencies in Oklahoma fo r the effect of harmful algal

blooms on fish and wildlife an d human health has grown si nce the first reported HAB

related death in the United States. On July 2002 in Dane County Wisconsin a group of children took a midnight swim in a golf cour se pond. All experienced acute diarrhea and abdominal pains, one child died of a seizure. The algal to xin, Anatoxin-a, found in a sample of the boy’s tissue was enough to have caused all the symptoms experienced by the group, including death. The alga in the pond was Anabaena flos-aquae

. Anatoxins and Saxitoxi ns are predominately produced by the blue green algae genus of Anabaena and Aphanizomenon. Micr ocystin is the algae toxin of most concern in the United States. This toxin, although produced by a variety of blue-green algae species, is predominately linked to the blue-green algae genus Microcystis . Microcystin has been implicated in the deaths of 18 livestock last year in Ut ah. 49 dialysis patients in Brazil died after inadvertent exposure to 19.5 μg/L microcystin via the potable water supply. The symptoms and s ubsequent liver damage were ident ical to that found with previous laboratory animal expe riments involving microcystin exposure. The State of Nebraska has 20μg/L threshold (recreational ex posure) for beach closings. New York’s threshold for (recreational exposure) beac h closures is 6 μg/L of microcystin. Cylindrospermopsis is another algae toxin of concern. This blue-green algae toxin, cylindrospermopsin, was implicated in the fi sh kills of three lakes in Arizona last

summer. The release of this toxin from a bloom treated wi th copper sulfate caused the hospitalization of over 100 children after drinking potable water in Australia.

The icthyotoxin producing “Golden Alga”, Prymnesium parvum, has caused fish kills in Lake Texoma and Altus City Lake and major fish kills in lake across Texas. The Texas fish kills have caused significant economi c and recreational losses. Its current distribution is spreading in southwestern Okl ahoma. Environm ental variables that trigger blooms, toxin release and toxin re lease are not well understood. However,

research into the life histor y, life cycle, necessary environm ental conditions and control and management continues to be the focus of some fundi ng sources. Further, the ODWC is monitoring for P. parvum on Lake Texoma and other high risk waterbodies in an attempt to collect vital environmental data and determine whether cells are present.

INTRODUCTION

Most HAB events are revealed primarily through in vestigation of fish an d/or wildlife kills. Potentially harmful algal cells can also be identified through prob abilistic sampling as proposed by the Oklahoma Water Resource s Board (OWRB) or through routine monitoring by other agencies. A one-year generic HAB sa mple regime conducted by

the OWRB indicated most a ll eutrophic reservoirs in Ok lahoma have the potential for algae toxin production. A response plan is essential in conducting investigations into HABs whether to confirm algal toxins ha ve been released into the environment or identify another source of injury or death.

This contingency plan is in tended for state and federal age ncies or organizations that are required to respond to environmental ev ents that cause harm to fish and wildlife, water quality or human health. This document may also help mem bers of the media,69 public, researchers, and other local, state and federal organizations understand how Oklahoma responds to HABs. Further, this re sponse plan reflects the plan objectives of adjacent states (i.e., Texas).

OBJECTIVES

1. To ensure all environmental resource agencies and other organizations are prepared to investigate and manage response to HAB events; 2. To ensure public health and envir onmental safety through effective and coordinated response, including monito ring, research, and assessment during HABs and related fish mortality events 3. To help in communication efforts wit h the public and other affected parties; 4. To support HAB research on conditions favoring these outbreaks, human health threats, and possible control options; 5. Provide adjacent states with Oklahoma’s plan of acti on if HAB events should occur across state boundaries or in a shared waterbody.

Golden alga, Prymnesium parvum

Background (Golden Alga)

Harmful algal blooms are ubiquitous world wide in marine and freshwater systems. The

state of Texas has documented fi sh kills from golden alga, P. parvum , in inland waters since 1985. The spread of P. parvum has had significant ecological and economic ramifications to Texas water bodies, which re sulted in the creation of a Texas Parks and Wildlife Golden Alga Response Team.

In January 2004, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) biologists documented a large fish kill in a tributary to the Red River. The Red River is a major tributary of Lake Texoma Reservoir and is a Public and Private Water Supply (PPWS). In August of 2004, a significant fish kill in Altus City Lake, also a public water supply, was reported by ODWC regional staff members. Both ev ents resulted in the loss of thousands of fish and potential threat of recurring blooms in subsequent months.

The fish kill at Lake Texoma spawned t he Oklahoma Golden Alga Task Force (OGART)

which consists of members from Oklahoma resource agencies, other states (i.e., Texas), federal agencies and academia. The purpose of OGART is to implement appropriate response protocols and pr ovide proactive solutions to Prymnesium parvum ( P. parvum ) blooms in Lake Texoma and other wa terbodies that may be at risk. Primary components of OGART include res ponse, control and management, water quality, research and laboratory techniques. The ODWC has also provided general information about golden alga on the ODWC website www.wildlifedepartment.com/index.htm and a lin k to the Texas parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/hab/ga/

Notification (Golden Alga)

Dead and dying fish usually trigger a phone call to the ODWC , although the cause of the injury is often unknown by the caller. Golden alga blooms are typically associated70 with fish that are piping at the surface, dead fish, discolored water and foam along the shoreline. If any of these symptoms are observed, notific ations should be made to the ODWC natural resources section. See Ap pendix A for a general call down list, ODWC regional fisheries office locations and cont acts, and list of ODWC game wardens for Oklahoma. In the event of a large fish kill or event, assistance from other state and federal agencies as well as local offici als may be necessary. A list of these agencies/officials is in Appendi x A. A significant bloom ma y include any of the following

indicators:

1. fish kill that is greater than 1,000 fish; 2. presence of dying fish; 3. presence of dead or stressed freshw ater mussels and/or other wildlife;

4. discoloration of the water; 5. foam on the surface of the water; 6. presence of P. parvum cells in the water column; 7. presence of toxins in the water column; 8. percentage of P. parvum cells is the dominant algal species.

Initial Response (Golden Alga)

Most of the indicators listed above will not be obvio us to the caller or the first responder. If a golden algal bloom is suspect ed, the first course of action is to confirm the presence

or absence of p. parvum cells. The following guideline s are for use when collecting and transporting water samples:

Live and preserved samples should be colle cted. Samples for confirmation should initially be from at least three sites. Wate r should be collected in clean plastic or glass containers. Be sure to rinse bottles of any prior substance before using. Preferably, plastic HPDE 60 ml bottles should be used for all collections. Samplin g depth should be elbow-deep, or one (1) foot below the surface.

-Preserved Samples

Collect 50-100 ml and preserve with bu ffered Lugol’s solution to the amber color similar to weak iced tea (1-2 drops per 100 ml). Keep the samples refrigerated or on ice, if possible and in the dark until analysis. Samples should be preserved in the field immediat ely after collection. Put sample in Ziploc bag to avoid leaks. Include another copy of collection information in a separate Ziploc bag in case of a leak.

-Live Samples

Collect 50-100 ml sample in a cl ean container, wrap in wet paper and maintain as close as possible to wate r temperature at collection, but do not allow the samples to overheat. Live sa mples should not be refrigerated or put on ice. Sample container should be completely full with no air space. Microscopic analysis should be done the same day as collection or as soon as possible thereafter. Put sample in Ziploc bag to avoid leaks. Include71 another copy of collection in formation in a separate Zi ploc bag in case of a

leak.

1. Each sample should be marked with the following information:

• Waterbody

• Site/location

• Date

• Type of analysis (i.e., p. parvum , toxin, etc.)

2. In addition to information contained on the bottle, sample submissions should be accompanied by a Chain of Custody (C OC). See form A in Appendix B.

3. Samples should be collected for water chemistry analysis. Additionally, other parameters should be collected in the field. The following is a list of parameters that should be analyz ed in the laboratory with each P. parvum collection event. Form B found in Append ix B should be used to record all

information.

Sulfate Total Suspended Solids Turbidity Nitrogen, Ammonia as N Nit rogen, Kjeldahl Calcium Nitrogen, Nitrate as N Nitr ogen, Nitrite as N Magnesium Phosphorus, Ortho as P Phosphorus, Total P Total Alkalinity Total Hardness

• Three samples per site should be collected in 1 liter HPDE plastic containers. One sample should contai n no preservative. The other two samples should contain nitric acid and sulfuric acid as provided by a certified laboratory. A ll samples should be trans ported on ice immediately to the ODEQ laboratory in Oklahom a City or other approved laboratory after verifying with Ferrella March, Natural Resources Section, transport and change of custody. Contact information for ODEQ follows:

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

707 N. Robinson Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677

405-702-1000

• The following parameters should be coll ected in the field if using an YSI 85, Hydrolab, or other comparable equipment.

Dissolved Oxygen % Oxygen Specific Conductance Salinity Water temperature pH

• Other observations should be included on Form B which include:72 Cloud Cover Secchi Depth Wave Condition pH Air Temperature GPS Location Wind Speed Wind Direction

4. All samples should be coordinated through the following person:

Buck Ray Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Oklahoma City Zoo Office

405-424-6062

5. When a fish kill is involved, ODWC staff should document the kill using the

American Fisheries Societ y Special Publication 30 : Investigation and Monetary Values of Fish and Freshw ater Mussel kills and modifications

reflected in the ODWC Fish and Mussel K ill Protocol. This protocol involves counting, identifying and size classification (inch or lbs depending on size).

Documentation of such ki lls will enable the ODWC to provide economic and recreational loss values. Form C in Appendix B can be used to record such

information.

6. In the event of a significant kill that requires additional time, personnel, or other agencies, the incident command system (ICS) shoul d be implemented.

Natural Resources will coordinate this e ffort and identify command posts.

7. Dead fish and wildlife should be disposed of consistent with local regulations

and state statutes. The ODWC is not re sponsible for clean up or disposal of

carcasses.

Media Strategy (Golden Alga)

ODWC Media Contact: Micah Holmes - Information Supervisor (405-522-4872).

In the event of a serious fish kill, this cr isis response plan is designed to educate and inform the public, particularly anglers and other user groups, about golden alga

blooms in Oklahoma.

The ODWC Media Contact should be made aware of any potential golden alga blooms by Buck Ray or Barry Bolton (Fisheries Di vision). Good communication between the Media Contact and the biologists is critical to the success of the media response plan. If

the bloom occurs at Lake Te xoma, the Media Contact will contact Steve Lightfoot, with TPWD, so that communication e fforts can be complementary.

The Media Contact will coordinate with other agency personnel to draft three separate

information items

• A fact sheet with known location and effects of the bloom to be distributed to agency personnel and other c ooperating agencies

• A new release to be distributed to selected media outlets.73 • Talking points for agency personnel that may be talking with the media. These points will guide individuals to focus on certain issues (such as perspective of the severity of the kill, not harmful to humans, economic impact, etc...).

If possible, all media calls should be funnel ed through the Media Contact who will then get them in contact with the appropriate per son (biologist, Fisheries Chief, etc...).

If necessary, the Media Contact will establish an on-site presence at the lake where the bloom occurred and notify Rich Fuller wit h the ODWC Information and Education Division for potential video coverage.

The Media Contact will call local media outlets to brief them on the current situation.

If appropriate the Media Coordinator will coordinate a news conference. At the conference a basic media kit will be provided including the golden alga brochure, press release, B-roll ready for televi sion coverage, lake map etc...

The Media Contact will communicate with OD WC personnel to place information on the

Web site or “Outdoor Ok lahoma” television show.

If needed, the Media Contact will assist Fi sheries personnel in coordinating and promoting a public meeting with local ci tizens, marina operators and anglers.

The Media Contact will coordinate with Bu ck Ray announcing the end of a bloom.

Public Health Concerns (Golden Alga)

During a bloom, golden alga may release toxins in sufficient quantities to kill fish and other gill breathing animals that come in contac t with it. However, there is no evidence that golden alga has lethal effect s on other organisms or humans.

Even though golden alga is not linked to human health issues, the ODWC strongly recommends that people should not pick up dead or dying fish for consumption.

Monitoring (Golden Alga)

Surveillance of golden alga cells in affected waterbodies should continue until the bloom has completed its cycle. However, long te rm monitoring should be considered in water bodies that have been previously affected for the following reas ons: 1) to identify the early stages of a bloom; 2) collect import ant water quality informa tion to determine possible trigger mechanisms and predict when subsequent blooms are likely to occur. All monitoring should be coordinated thr ough the Natural Resources Section.

Blue-green Algae, Cyanobacteria

Background (Blue-green Algae)74 Blue-green algae are al so called cyanobacteria because they are biologically similar to bacteria in many ways. As single cells, la rge colonies and filame nts, blue-green algae grow in a wide variety of conditions and ca n become the dominant algae in nutrient-rich

water bodies. One of the characteristics of these cyanobacteria is their ability to form blooms. When a bloom occurs, the wate r appears to be blue-green in color and can cause taste and odor problems in water supplie s. More importantly, blue-green algae can produce toxins that can have human health implications and can cause toxicity in fish, wildlife, domestic animals and livestock. Anatoxins and Saxitoxins are predominately produced by the blue green algae genus of Anabaena and Aphanizomenon. Microcystin is the algae toxin of most conc ern in the United States. This toxin, although pr oduced by a variety of blue-green algae species, is predominately linked to the blue-green algae genus Microcystis . Awareness is a growing need to ensure blue-green algal toxins do not affe ct water treatment plants without being adequately removed or affect. Likewise, it is important that blue green algae blooms

are monitored due to the increa sing levels of nutrients that currently being introduced

into Oklahoma’s waterbodies.

Notification (Blue-green Algae)

Dead and dying fish or wildlife usually tr iggers a phone call to the ODWC, although the cause of the injury is often unknown by the caller. Bl ue-green algae blooms are typically associated thick scum on the surfac e of the water that looks like blue-green paint. If such symptoms are observed, no tifications should be made to the ODWC

natural resources section. See Appendix A for a general ca ll down list, ODWC regional fisheries office locations and contacts, and li st of ODWC game wardens for Oklahoma. In the event of a large fish kill or event, assistance from other st ate and federal agencies as well as local officials may be necessary . A list of these agencies/officials is in Appendix A. A significant bloom may incl ude any of the following indicators:

1. fish kill that is greater than 500-1,000 fish; 2. presence of dying fish; 3. presence of dead or stressed freshw ater mussels and/or other wildlife;

4. discoloration of the water; 5. presence of blue-green algae cells in the water column; 6. presence of toxins in the water column; 7. percentage of blue-green algae cells is the dominant algal species.

Initial Response (Blue-green Algae)

Most of the indicators listed above will not be obvio us to the caller or the first responder. If a blue-green algae bloom is suspected, the first course of action is to confirm the presence or absence of blue-gr een algae cells. The follo wing guidelines are for use when collecting and transporting water samples:

• Samples should be collected in a one-liter Nalgene container

• Samples should remain cool (either in a cooler with freezer packs or refrigerated) until analys is can be performed

• Samples should be processed within 24-72 hours of collection75 • Transfer of samples should be c oordinated through Ferrella March,

Natural Resources Section

8. Each sample should be marked with the following information:

• Waterbody

• Site/location

• Date

• Type of analysis (i.e., p. parvum , toxin, etc.)

9. In addition to information contained on the bottle, sample submissions should be accompanied by a Chain of Custody (COC). See form A in Appendix B.

10. Samples should be collected for water chemistry analysis. Additionally, other parameters should be collected in the field. The following is a list of parameters that should be analyzed in the laboratory with each collection event. Form B found in Appendix B should be used to record all information.

Sulfate Total Suspended Solids Turbidity Nitrogen, Ammonia as N Nit rogen, Kjeldahl Calcium Nitrogen, Nitrate as N Nitr ogen, Nitrite as N Magnesium Phosphorus, Ortho as P Phosphorus, Total P Total Alkalinity Total Hardness

• Three samples per site should be collected in 1 liter HPDE plastic containers. One sample should contai n no preservative. The other two samples should contain nitric acid and sulfuric acid as provided by a certified laboratory. A ll samples should be trans ported on ice immediately to the ODEQ laboratory in Oklahom a City or other approved laboratory after verifying with Buck Ray, trans port and change of custody. Contact
information for ODEQ follows:

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

707 N. Robinson Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677

405-702-1000

• The following parameters should be coll ected in the field if using an YSI 85, Hydrolab, or other comparable equipment.

Dissolved Oxygen % Oxygen Specific Conductance Salinity Water temperature pH

• Other observations should be included on Form B which include:76 Cloud Cover Secchi Depth Wave Condition pH Air Temperature GPS Location Wind Speed Wind Direction

11. All samples should be coordinated through the following person:

Buck Ray Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Oklahoma City Zoo Office

405-424-6062

12. When a fish kill is involved, ODWC staff should document the kill using the

American Fisheries Societ y Special Publication 30 : Investigation and Monetary Values of Fish and Freshw ater Mussel kills and modifications

reflected in the ODWC Fish and Mussel K ill Protocol. This protocol involves counting, identifying and size classification (inch or lbs depending on size).

Documentation of such ki lls will enable the ODWC to provide economic and recreational loss values. Form C in Appe ndix B can be used to record such

information.

13. In the event of a significant kill t hat requires additional time, personnel, or other agencies, the incident command system (ICS) shoul d be implemented.

Natural Resources will coordinate this effo rt and identify command posts.

14. Dead fish and wildlife should be disposed of consistent with local regulations

and state statutes. The ODWC is not re sponsible for clean up or disposal of

carcasses.

Media Strategy (Blue-green Algae)

ODWC Media Contact: Micah Holmes - Information Supervisor (405-522-4872).

In the event of a serious fish kill, this crisis response plan is designed to educate and inform the public, particularly anglers and other user groups, about harmful algal

blooms in Oklahoma.

The ODWC Media Contact should be made aw are of any potential harmful alga blooms by Buck Ray or Barry Bolton (Fisheries Division). Good communication between the Media Contact and the biologists is critical to the success of the media response plan

The Media Contact will coordinate with other agency personnel to draft three separate

information items

• A fact sheet with known location and effects of the bloom to be distributed to agency personnel and other c ooperating agencies

• A new release to be distributed to selected media outlets.77 • Talking points for agency personnel that may be talking with the media. These points will guide individuals to focus on certain issues (such as perspective of the severity of the kill, harmful/not harmful to humans, precautions, economic impact, etc...).

If possible, all media calls should be funnel ed through the Media Contact who will then get them in contact with the appropriate per son (biologist, Fisheries Chief, etc...).

If necessary, the Media Contact will establish an on-site presence at the lake where the bloom occurred and notify Rich Fuller wit h the ODWC Information and Education Division for potential video coverage.

The Media Contact will call local media outlets to brief them on the current situation.

If appropriate the Media Coordinator will coordinate a news conference. At the conference a basic media kit will be provided including a press release, B-roll ready for television coverage, lake map etc...

The Media Contact will communicate with OD WC personnel to place information on the

Web site or “Outdoor Oklahoma” televisi on show. If needed, the Media Contact will assist Fisheries personnel in coordinating and promoting a public meeting with local citizens, marina operators and anglers.

The Media Contact will coordinate with Buck Ray in announcing the end of a bloom.

Public Health Concerns (Blue-green algae)

During a bloom, blue-green algae may release toxins in sufficient quantities to harm humans and cause toxicosis to fish, wildlife, domestic animals and livestock. If water, fish or blue-green algal products containing elevated levels of toxins are ingested by a human, symptoms might include headache, fe ver, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Itchy and irritated eyes and skin may result if a human is swims in contaminated water. If a person suspects they may have come into contact with cyanobacterial toxins and are experiencing any of these sym ptoms, any scum should be rinsed off their physician consulted immediately.

Unlike controls available with a drinking water source contaminat ed with cyanobacteria, there are very few options available once t hese algae accumulate in water used for recreational activities, such as swimming, boat ing, wind surfing and fishing. Blooms in

recreational bodies of water are usually associated with unpleasant odors and offensive appearance on shorelines as the scum accumulates and decays. Although cyanobacterial toxins are probably not absor bed through the skin, they can cause skin irritation. The toxins, if present, can be ab sorbed from the water via ingestion or can

become airborne and absorbed vi a inhalation. Individuals should avoid swimming and

other water-related activities in areas with dense blooms.

T he ODWC strongly recommends that people should not pick up dead or dying fish for consumption. Likewise, people should not handle dead animals affected by blue green-algae blooms and should w ash anything that may have come in

contact with the scum.78 Monitoring (Blue-green Algae)

Surveillance of blue-green algae cells in a ffected waterbodies should continue until the bloom has completed its cycle. However, long term monitoring should be considered in water bodies that have been previously affected for the following reasons: 1) to identify the early stages of a bloom; 2) collect important water qualit y information to determine possible trigger mechanisms and predict when subsequent blooms are likely to occur. All monitoring should be coordinated thr ough the Natural Resources Section.79 

### APPENDIX D

Acronyms Defined

Acronym Definition

ANS Aquatic Nuisance Species

ANSTF Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force

BOR U.S. Bureau of Reclamation BWM Ballast Water Management DEQ Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

FTE Full Time Employee GRDA Grand River Dam Authority LMBV Largemouth Bass Virus

MRBP Mississippi River Basin Regional Panel

NANPCA Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisan ce Prevention and Control Act

NISA National Invasive Species Act

NPS National Park Service

NZMS New Zealand Mudsnail

OCC Oklahoma Conservation Commission ODAFF Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry ODWC Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation OSU Oklahoma State University

OTRD Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department OU University of Oklahoma

OWRB Oklahoma Water Resources Board

PTF ANS Plant Task Force SVC Spring Viremia of Carp

SWAP Oklahoma State Wildlife Action Plan USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USCG U.S. Coast Guard

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service VHS Viral Hemorraghic Septicemia

WGA Western Governors Association WRP Western Regional Panel ZMRP Zebra Mussel Research Program

ZMTF Zebra Mussel Task Force80 

### Appendix E
Public Comments

This appendix presents a summary of the oral and written comments that were received on the aquatic nuisance species management pl an. Over a six month period after completion of the first draft, four stakeholder meetings were held and comments were accepted.

Comments from Marley Beem, Okla homa Cooperative Extension Service

[E-mail correspondence]

From: Beem, Marley [mailto:marley.beem@okstate.edu] Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 10:37 AM To: odwc@cableone.net Subject: ANS Management Plan comments

Bill,

You have done a nice job of drafting the plan. One concern is how it can be made more appealing to administrators and politicians. Some of my comments are a response to this concern.

Thanks,

Marley Beem

Somewhere up front, it would be good to add one or more case studies from other states to illustrate the severe economic impact of ANS and the fact that e limination is usually impossible. Impacts on local economies would be good to show. Perhaps TVA or Florida would have something along these lines.

Perhaps some bullets along these lines:

What’s the threat to...

• Agriculture

• Recreation

• Industry

Potential economic impacts for each ANS need to be highlighted. I’m concerned that the lack of stated impacts for certain species like the Exotic Water Flea will cause some readers to scoff.

A graphic showing the spread of ZM in Oklahoma ov er time and photos of an extremely encrusted object would strengthen the plan.

The inclusion of Ouachita rock pocketbook and Arka nsas River shiner on p 29 could well backfire with some politicians. They may have constituents who are ir ate about regulations to protect these species. It is better to leave out these species names, in my opinion.

Objective 1 on p 32 needs to be changed. The first objective of a plan should not be to “Coordinate and implement a plan.” Replace with “Objective 1: C oordination and Unification of Management Efforts” (also needs to be changed on p 47)

P 59 Marley Beem Assistant Extension Specialist, Aquaculture/Natural Resources Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Natural Resource Ecology and Management81 - Other info is correct

P75

Add MICRA?

Response to Comments from Marley Beem, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension

Service

More information on economical, agricultural, recreat ional and industrial impacts was incorporated into the Problem Definition section where appropriate.

Extra graphics were considered, but not included.

The inclusion of specific federally listed species was eliminated.

Objective 1 was not changed on page 32 or 47.

Contact information was updated.

MICRA was not added to Appendix D, as it was not addressed in the plan text.

Comments from Jeanetta Cooper, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry

[E-mail correspondence]

From: Jeanetta Cooper [mailto:Jea netta.Cooper@oda.state.ok.us]
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 8:54 AM

To: odwc@cableone.net
Cc: GGillOkla@aol.com; Mitch Broiles Subject: ANS Plan

Additions and corrections (in blue) to page 28, ODAFF:

ODAFF is the agency charged with licensing aquaculture facilities, the priv ate commercial production of fish, frogs, or other aquatic species OAC 35:50-1-1 pr ohibits the importation or exportation of minnows and other fish species that are subject to the provisio ns of Sections 4-105, 4-115, and 7-602 of Oklahoma Statute Title 29. ODAFF conducts at least one insp ection every two (2) years of each licensed aquaculture operation.

It is unlawful for any person to operate a concentrate d animal feeding operation without first obtaining a license from the State Board of Agricult ure (Oklahoma Statute Title 2, §9-208).

Response to Comments from Jeanetta Cooper, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry

Additions and corrections were made as specified.

Comments from Everett Laney, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

[Word Document]82 Please consider the following recommendations for changes to the OANSDMP:

1) Remove all the capital letters from the section headings. They’re not in the table of contents, and they’re not needed to track the sections of the document in addition to the page numbers.

2) Pg 7, line 14 – change “escaped” to “moved downstream”

3) Pg 8, 2 nd set of bullets – add “create sufficient funding and personnel to support the plan”

4) Pg 8, par following 2 nd set of bullets, line 3 – who is the “Sta te Secretary of Interior”? I don’t see them in App B, as such.

5) Pg 10, par 2, line 3 – change “these ” to “they” and delete “four species”

6) Pg 10, par 2, line 6 – change “that Asia n” to “that the four species of Asian”

7) Pg 11, par 3 – should we include a sentence abo ut them being a boating hazard because they jump

out of the water?

8) Pg 13, par 6, line 1 – change “area” to “are”

9) Pg 14, par 2, line 12 – there have been several fi ndings on boats preparing to launch at marinas. I

recommend “Zebra Mussels have been discovered on several boats by marina personnel who prevented the infested boats from being launched in the lakes.”

10) Pg 14, par 3, line 9 – I would delete the senten ce speculating that there may be other species of

Dreissenidae in the Great Lakes.

11) Pg 22 – the last sentence that goes to pg 23 needs rewritten.

12) Pg 22, par 2, line 3 – change “it” to “It”

13) Pg 29, par 3, line 8 – after “...1996.” insert “Oth er Federal Laws indirectly promote the control of non-indigenous and invasive species by providing direction or guidance to properly manage public lands and programs. Therefore, the control of inva sives is indirectly authorized. For example, the Endangered Species Act could require controls if an ANS was shown to threaten the survival of a federally listed species.”

14) Pg 30 – At the meeting we mentioned that we left out the BOR and Forest Service. But, another Federal agency we did not mention was the BIA. They should be included.

15) Pg 30 – replace the U.S. Ar my Corps of Engineers (USACE) paragraph with the following:

The USACE administers the only Federally authorized research programs directed to manage and control non-indigenous and nuisance species. The Aquatic Plant Control Research Program (APCRP) develops technology for the management of non-indigenous aquatic plant species. The Zebra Mussel Research Program (ZMRP), which was expanded into the Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Program (ANSRP) conducts interdiscip linary research on the prevention, control, and management of aquatic nuisance species that impa ct USACE projects and public facilities. The programs are managed by the USACE Environmental Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS. ERDC has developed Inform ation System Models for Plant Management, Aquatic Plants, and Zebra Mussels.

In July of 2005 a USACE Invasive Species Leadership Team (ISLT) was formed to fulfill Federal agency duties under Executive Order 13112. Co mprised primarily of Division and District representatives, their responsibilities include 1) providing recommendations to headquarters, 2) providing strategic direction to research programs , 3) representing the USACE on regional invasive species councils 4) developing and implementing co st effective strategies to address invasive83 species problems that affect USACE water resource management missions, and 5) coordinating

team initiatives with all concerned interests. T he ISLT is currently developing a USACE Invasive Species Management Policy.

The Tulsa District USACE manages over 1.1 million acres of land and water resources on 35 reservoirs in Oklahoma, southeast Kansas, and northern Texas. Major facilities include five hydropower dams and 138 miles of the McClella n-Kerr Navigation System. The five locks and dams provide national and international waterway tr affic to the Port of Catoosa. Land and water based recreation is provided at the reservoirs for approximately 25 milli on visitors each year from all across the nation. This unrestricted visitation pr ovides unlimited opportunities for the importation and infestation of non-indigenous and nuisance species by navigation and overland traffic.

16) Pg 32, par 1, line 6 – change “notional” to “national”

17) Pg 32, par 2, line 3 – change “native species” to “native species and habitat”

18) Pg 33, Task 1A9: - delete. Any sea-going ship s that come up the navi gation system will not have ballast water by the time they get here.

19) Pg 35, USACE – replace the paragraph with;

The Tulsa District initiated and has served as the lead agency for the Oklahoma Zebra Mussel Task Force since 1993. They provide I&E material, conduct training, give presentations to water interests across the state, mailed information not ices to water users and policy makers, provides interviews with media sources, and maintain a Zebra Mussel link on their web page to educate the public and agencies of the hazards of ANS introductions.

20) Pg 38, USACE – replace the paragraph with;

Lake staff monitors Zebra Mussel presence/absence and ANS plants at USACE lakes. Local water users are educated as to the potential pathways for infestations. Cooperation is solicited to monitor and detect ANS being brought to the lakes.

Tulsa District staff shares information with the ZMTF of changes and activities locally and across the nation; support monitoring and studies by ot her agencies and academia; and provide I&E materials and training.

21) Pg 39, Task 3A4: change the lead agency to the (FWS)

22) Pg 40, USACE – replace the paragraph with;

The ERDC has produced numerous Technical Notes detailing controls for ANS and maintains Information Systems on their website and on compact disk for Zebra Mussels, Plant Management, and Aquatic Plants.

The Tulsa District cooperates with water user s being impacted by Zebra Mussels to educate them on possible control methods.

The Tulsa District monitors ANS plants at USACE lakes and implements controls as needed.

23) Pg 41, ODWC, line 4 – change “for” to “from”

24) Pg 42, USACE – replace the paragraph with;

The Tulsa District initiated and has served as the lead agency for the Oklahoma Zebra Mussel Task Force since 1993. They provide I&E material, conduct training, give presentations to water interests across the state, mailed information not ices to water users and policy makers, provides interviews with media sources, and maintain a Zebra Mussel link on their web page to educate the public and agencies of the hazards of ANS introductions.84 25) Pg 44, OSU – change “zebra mussel populations within the Tallgrass Prairie Region” to zebra mussel populations at lakes within the Tallgrass Prairie Region”. You could specify what lakes.

26) Pg 44 – add “USACE”

The Tulsa District monitors the USACE lakes for ANS presence/absence and densities. They also support agency and academia research at the lake s, and keep informed of impacts to water users.

The Tulsa District is actively involved in national efforts and keeps informed of Zebra Mussel control and eradication research. Updates are provided to the ZMTF.

The ERDC has produced numerous Technical Notes detailing controls for ANS and maintains Information Systems on their website and on compact disk for Zebra Mussels, Plant Management, and Aquatic Plants.

27) Pg 52 – delete Ballast water

28) Pg 60 – add to the ANS Plant Task Force; Jim Harris, USACE, 1645 S. 101 E. Ave, Tulsa, OK, 74128, jim.l.harris@usace.army.mil

.

Pg 61 – add to the ANS Golden Alga Task Force; T ony Clyde, USACE, 1645 S. 101 E. Ave, Tulsa, OK 74128, tony.clyde@usace.army.mil

.

Response to Comments from Everett Lane y, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Typographical, grammatical, and form atting errors were corrected.

Changes to sections concerning ballast waster were incorporated.

All sections concerning the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were modified as requested.

All other small changes were considered and incorporated where appropriate.

Comments from Stacey Day, Oklahoma Conservation Commission

[Word Document]

OCC Comments / Additions to the ANS Management Plan

Section E. Existing Authorities and Programs

Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC)

Under Oklahoma Statute Title 27A O.S. § 3-2-1 06, the OCC has been designated to “act as the management agency having jurisdiction over and re sponsibility for directing NPS pollution prevention programs outside the jurisdiction or control of cities or towns in Oklahoma. The Commission, otherwise,85 shall be responsible for all identified non-point source categories except silviculture, urban storm water

runoff and industrial runoff.”

The OCC will “monitor, evaluate and assess waters of the state to determine t he condition of streams and rivers impacted by nonpoint source pollution. In carr ying out this area of responsibility, the Conservation Commission shall serve as the technical lead agency fo r nonpoint source pollution categories as defined

in Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act or other subsequent federal or state nonpoint source programs.” In addition, the OCC will administer the Blue Thumb volunteer monitoring and education program and “provide assistance to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board on lake projects through stream and river monitoring, assessing watershed acti vities impacting lake water quality, and assisting in the development of a watershed management plan.”

Section F. Objectives, strategies, etc.

Current Agency Activities

OCC The OCC has adopted a HACCP plan as described by the OWRB. Field personnel operate under these guidelines in order to decontaminate all equipment after use.

Objective 3:

Current Agency Activities

OCC The OCC employs a number of field personnel who regularly monitor water quality, conduct habitat evaluations, and sample macroinvertebrates and fish in streams across Oklahoma. The OCC field staff will document and report any nuisance species sighted during field activities. In addition, the Blue Thumb program has trained volunteers who monitor water qualit y across the state, and these individuals will look for and report nuisance species.

Objective 4:

Current Agency Activities

OCC The OCC field personnel operate under HACCP guidelin es in order to decontaminate all equipment after use and, thus, reduce t he risk of spreading ANS.

Objective 5:

Current Agency Activities

OCC The OCC has incorporated information about ANS into its Blue Thumb educational program. This program has approximately 100 active volunteers and offers trainings to new volunteers about six times per year. In addition, the OCC will include educational material about ANS in its area-specific projects, where applicable. For example, one of the current OCC watershed projects is in the Grand Lake area, and information about zebra mussels (present in that area) will be given to participants in watershed

activities there.

“Implementation Table” --OCC will be a cooperative agency for the following tasks:86 1B4

1B5

1B6

1B7

2B4

2B5

3A2

3A3

3A5

4A3

5A5

5D2

6A3

6B1

6B2

6B3

Response to Comments from Stacey Da y, Oklahoma Conservation Commission

All existing authorities and programs and current age ncy activities regarding the Oklahoma Conservation

Commission were added or revised.

The Oklahoma Conservation Commission was added as a cooperative agency for all specified tasks on the implementation table.

Comments from Sam Ziara, Grand River Dam Authority

[Word Document]

Recommended revisions for the Oklahoma Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan

E. Existing Authorities and Programs (beginning on pg. 25)

GRDA

The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is a state a gency that provides hydroelectric and fossil fuel generated electricity. Under Oklahoma statutes, G RDA has jurisdiction over the Grand River and its tributaries (Oklahoma Statute Title 82, § 861 and 862) . GRDA is a conservation and reclamation district encompassing 24 counties in Oklahoma.87 The GRDA, Office of Ecosystems Management (OEM) was formed to manage, conserve, and enhance the natural resources found on GRDA property. OEM works closely with Federal and state agencies to

insure that these natural resources will be there for future generations to enjoy.

F. Objectives, Strategies, Actions, & Cost Estimates

Objective 2: Prevent the introduction of new ANS into Oklahoma (beginning on pg 34)

Current Agency Activities:

GRDA

GRDA has participated on the Oklahoma Zebra Mu ssel Task Force for 3 years and has recently partnered with Protect Your Waters, a web site s ponsored by the ANS Task Force. GRDA has printed and distributed zebra mussel alert cards, provided funds to build the zebra mussel display at the Oklahoma Aquarium, and has recently produced a pub lic service announcement (PSA) about preventing the spread of zebra mussels in Oklahoma waters. GR DA believes that prevention through education is the key in battling this and all invasive species.

Objective 3: Detect, monitor, and eradicate ANS (beginning on pg. 39)

Current Agency Activities:

GRDA has actively monitored for the presence of zebra mussels in GRDA waters and has helped train volunteers from the Oklahoma Water Watch organizati on to sample for and identify zebra mussel veligers and adults. GRDA has also purchased and installed signage for all GRDA lakes informing boaters about the possible threat of zebra mussel s in GRDA waters. Recently, GRDA implemented control measures for controlling zebra mussels by using chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 ) at a GRDA owned facilit y. The cost of this treatment was approximately $30,000.

Objective 3: Inform the public, policy makers, natural resource workers, private industry, and user groups about the risks and impacts of ANS (beginning on pg. 41)

Current Agency Activities:

GRDA has aggressively campaigned for the preventi on of ANS at boat shows, fishing tournaments, tourism centers, and at elementary school functi ons. GRDA representatives have performed risk

assessments for the water treatment fa cilities. GRDA is hoping to unveil the Zebra Mussel display at the Oklahoma Aquarium by September of 2007, and will be cove red by the local media. The purpose of this display will be to raise public awareness about ANS a nd to educate the public, specifically, about zebra mussels and their associated impacts.

Contact information for John Money (Oklahoma Aquarium) as requested by Jeff Boxrucker;

John Money Curator Oklahoma Aquarium 300 Aquarium Drive

P.O. Box 2007 Jenks, OK 74037 (918) 734-0122 cell (918) 528-1552 office jmoney@okaquarium.org

Response to Comments from Sam Zi ara, Grand River Dam Authority

All existing authorities and programs and curren t agency activities regarding the Grand River Dam Authority were added or revised.

Contact information for John Money was added.88 Comments from Karen Hickman, Oklahoma State University

[Oral and Track Changes on Word Document]

Good Introduction...has flow to it along with the appropriate information needed to become relevant. Objectives can be met, but I don’t think introduction of all ANS can be prevented: maybe help reduce introduction. They are realistic if ODWC will help funding. Outcomes are good.

Suggested that legislation should be changed to in crease fines. Increased fines could better deter introductions, and fines could be used as a source of funding.

Concerning objective 1: Develop a set of regulations for control efforts of ANS, leading to public and recreational responses.

Suggested that Tamarisk be added to the plan.

Add Oklahoma State University as a cooperative ag ency on implementation table concerning monitoring.

Response to Comments from Karen Hickman, Oklahoma State University

Comments regarding legislation and regulation changes were taken into account for action at a later date, but not incorporated into the plan.

Tamarisk was not added to the plan.

Oklahoma State University was added as a co operative agency on the implementation table.

Comments from Ellen Tejan, The Nature Conservancy

[Oral]

Suggested that Tamarisk be added to the plan.

Response to Comments from Ellen Tejan, The Nature Conservancy

Tamarisk was not added to the plan

Comments from Susan Hooks, U.S. Forest Service

[Oral]89 Need more detail on the priority ranking of species. (Page 48) May need to set priorities for different parameters (e.g. education & outreac h, prevention, management etc.)

Response to Comments from Susan Hooks, U.S. Forest Service

Comment was taken into consideration. Pr iorities for action section was revised.

Comments from Sherylann Densow, Ok lahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation

[E-mail Correspondence]

Ashley,

I was viewing the ANS Plan on posted on ODWC webs ite and noticed an incomplete sentence under the Whirling Disease section. This is the first line of the second paragraph: The minute whirling disease organism, native to the Eurasian continent, was introduc ed into North American waters in the late 1950s. It looks like the complete thought pr ocess was deleted or left out. I di d not go through the entire document but was casually reading this on my lunch hour and no ticed it. You may want to edit this document again. The only other comment that I have is that the ANS Plan looks good as far as format and it seems to cover everything necessary that I know of.... but I am not a biologist, just a secretary.

Best Regards,

Sherylann Densow, Secretary

><{{{(*> Oklahoma Fishery Research Laboratory <*)}}}><

Response to Comments from Sherylan n Densow, Oklahoma Department of
Wildlife Conservation

Comment was taken into consideration, but no changes were made.90 Comments from Chad Boeckman, Oklahoma State University

[E-mail Correspondence]

Hi Ashley,

My name is Chad Boeckman and I'm a grad. student at OSU. I and my advisor Dr. Joe Bidwell have been monitoring the zebra mussel population in Oologah since June of 2003 as well as Sooner Lake since Jan 2007. We had an opportunity to provide comments on the ANS plan last year I believe, and I recently noticed on the ODWC website it was up for public comment. I just wanted to provide a comment, which was mentioned last year but was not changed. In the description of Quagga mussels, the plan states that quaggas feed all year long, even during cooler months when zebra mussels are dormant (something to that effect). Zebra mussels are not "dormant" during any time of the year. While they do not reproduce when water temps drop below 12 degrees C, they are still fairly active and are siphoning, able to move around, detach and find new substrate, etc. I believe this is the same for Quaggas too, in that they also do not reproduce during "cold" te mps. Also the plan states that quagga's like soft substrate? I'm not sure that is completely accu rate. I recently saw a photo of one of the new quagga invasions out west somewhere, with quaggas a ttached to boat docks, buoys, etc. From my understanding, quagga's also prefer some sort of firm substrate where they can use their byssal threads to attach, exactly like polymorpha; although they are capable of colonizing deeper depths.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. thanks very much!

chad boeckman Oklahoma State University Ecotoxicology and Water Quality Research Laboratory Department of Zoology

430 LSW (405) 744-9691

Response to Comments from Chad Bo eckman, Oklahoma State University

Comment was taken into consideration. Some information pertaining to zebra mussels and quagga

mussels was revised.

Comments from Ashley Ladd, United States Bureau of Reclamation

[Word Document]

ODWC ANS Plan Comments July 14, 2008

Comments 1. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on th is document, and all the hard work that has gone toward developing it. 2. Suggest changing “McClellen-Kerr” to “McClellan-Kerr” 3. Page 14, Paragraph 3, 2 nd line: please add the word “in” between the words “System” and “1993.” 4. Page 31, 2 nd heading: Please consider adding parentheses around “WRP.” 5. Page 36, 1 st paragraph: When speaking to Mr. Ever ett Laney recently, he stated that he had handed that responsibility over to the ODWC ANS Coordinator, Ashley Foster. Please consider modifying this paragraph to reflect that, or to refl ect that the Corps, at least, is no longer the lead

in the task force. 6. Page 37, 1 st bullet: “Establish the authority to detain and require cleaning of any vehicle, vessel or water based equipment containing or infested with ANS traveling in Oklahoma.” Suggest changing to, “Establish the authority to detain and require cleaning of any vehicle, vessel or water91 based equipment containing, infested, or potentially infested with ANS trav eling in Oklahoma.” This protects ODWC and other regulatory agencie s should they suspect ANS, but are unable to positively identify them due to their size, sim ilarity to other species, or other reasons. 7. Page 78, Paragraph 2, Line 8: S uggest adding “and” between “off” and “their.”

Response to Comments from Ashley Ladd, United States Bureau of Reclamation

Typographical, grammatical, and formatting corrections were considered and changed where appropriate.

Changes were made regarding suggestion #6.