An invasive snail, the New Zealand Mud Snail, appears to be spreading quickly in Michigan’s Au Sable River. An organization representing Michigan anglers is unhappy with the state’s response. We talk with Tom Baird of the Au Sable Anglers.
There’s been growing concern recently about an invasive species of snail that’s been turning up more often in Michigan’s Au Sable River near Grayling. The U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service describes the New Zealand Mud Snail as a “horrible hitchhiker.”
The agency says the snail can consume up to half of the available food in a stream and may outcompete or displace aquatic life which native fish species depend on for food. It says the disruption might result in reduced growth rates and lower populations of economically important fish species.
We talk with Tom Baird, president of the 600-member Anglers of the Au Sable, who says too little is being done about the recent discoveries of the New Zealand Mud Snail in Michigan.
Current State focuses on the environment every Tuesday. Our efforts are supported by Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. For more news of the Great Lakes environment, you can check out GreatLakesEcho.org.
