Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force

Outreach

Many species introductions happen through the actions of uninformed individuals. For example, disposing of bait, launching contaminated recreational boats, aquarium releases, water garden escapes, and stocking a private pond can each lead to the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species. Robust public awareness and action programs help increase understanding about the impacts associated with ANS and guide people towards actions that can help prevent the introduction and spread of ANS. Education and outreach campaigns and initiatives should also facilitate on-the-ground action through stewardship programs and public events that directly connect individuals to management of ANS. Below are key resources developed by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, its members, regional panels, or subcommittees to educate about aquatic nuisance species and measures that can be taken to protest our waters from this threat:

Aquatic Nuisance Specie Task Force Outreach Subcommittee Documents:

• Outreach Subcommittee Charge Document - The mission of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Outreach Subcommittee is to coordinate and facilitate education, communications, and behavior change efforts to inform decision-makers and public and private sectors that manage aquatic nuisance species.

National campaigns

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Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!

The Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign is a call to action that empowers recreational users of aquatic resources in the United States and other countries to help stop the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species through outreach and partnerships. 

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Habitattitude 

This educational campaign addresses common concerns of private enterprise, state and federal natural resource agencies, and responsible pet owners: protecting our environment from the impacts of invasive species. Habitattitude seeks to inspire and empower people to explore the connection between responsible pet ownership and environmental stewardship.

Don’t Let It Loose

Since 2012, Don't Let it Loose has been working to provide responsible rehoming information to pet owners who, for one reason or another, need to find another home for their pet.

Guidelines

Classroom

• Classroom Guidelines for Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) 
• Classroom Guidelines for Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) - (Spanish version)
• Adopting a Classroom Animal/Plant Pledge Form
• Adopting a Classroom Animal/Plant Pledge Form (Spanish version)
• Guidance for Science and Engineering Fair Projects 

Recreational Activities:

• Voluntary Guidelines to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: Recreational Activities
• Voluntary Guidelines to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species: Water Gardening
• Preventing the Spread of AIS By Recreational Boats – Model Legislative Provisions & Guidance to Promote Reciprocity Among State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Programs 

Regional Products

• Traveling Trunk of Invasive Species – The Gulf and South Atlantic Regional Panel has an educational outreach awareness "Trunk" available for loan.  It is intended for use by conservation and environmental groups as well as secondary level educators.
• Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species - This field guide is designed to aid science professionals and other interested individuals in AIS early detection and reporting. This reference can help water conservation officers, regional biologists, volunteer monitors, resource managers, educators, students, and other professionals working in the Mid-Atlantic’s waters to learn general information about significant AIS, identify the problem species, collect specimens for verification, and report new infestations.