From pulling water chestnut (Trapa natans), to preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species through the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program, NYSDEC Region 1 Fisheries covers a lot of water to protect the LIISMA Region. LIISMA is honored to showcase the efforts of Region 1 Fisheries Manager Heidi O’Riordan, Region 1 Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Ashley Morris, and the boat steward crew in this month’s Partner Spotlight.
The work of Region 1 Fisheries to manage and survey for aquatic invasive species spans both Nassau and Suffolk Counties. For years on end, they have worked to control populations of water chestnut across the region, organizing various volunteer days to raise public awareness. They report success in managing this floating leaved aquatic invasive plant with spiked seed capsules, especially noting a decrease in population size in Calverton’s Swan Pond.
In 2023, they plan to focus management on a water chestnut infestation found in Massapequa Preserve. Their eyes aren’t only on water chestnut, however; annual surveys of invasive species in Lake Ronkonkoma and Blydenburgh County Park will continue into 2023, to track the growth of hydrilla and invasive watermilfoil, as well as monitor the native species in those waterbodies.
Keeping an eye on their goals, NYSDEC Region 1 Fisheries works to manage invasive species, especially in areas where fish species of conservation value are present. In doing so, their ongoing project of monitoring and controlling phragmites at Sandy Pond in Calverton Ponds Preserve a priority, aiding them in protecting the swamp darter and banded sunfish populations that call this pond home.
In addition, the group collaborates on larger-scale management projects, including the Peconic River Ludwigia peploides Project, which has just finished its first season of treatment. The positive results recorded so far have been promising, and the group is looking forward to continued treatments in the summer of 2023. On a smaller scale, NYSDEC Region 1 Fisheries has also been working with LIISMA and the Town of Brookhaven to manually manage a population of Ludwigia peploides in Artist Lake, Middle Island.
Beyond management, NYSDEC Region 1 Fisheries aims to prevent introductions of invasive species in the first place. With stewards at public boat launches, recreationalists are reminded to respect the waterways by cleaning, draining, and drying their gear before entering and after exiting a waterbody. The group will continue managing the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program in 2023, with three inspection stewards covering assigned public boat launch locations.
Many thanks to Heidi, Ashley, and the Watercraft Inspection Stewards for their fantastic work!
Interested in a spotlight on your organization’s invasive species efforts? Email kassidy@liisma.org.
