Protect Florida's Waterways From Invasive Aquatic Plants

Managing non-native aquatic plants (nuisance species) that have been introduced into Florida's waterways costs millions of dollars each year. These invasive aquatic plants can:

• Edge out beneficial native submersed plants and lower oxygen levels resulting in fish kills.
• Hamper the feeding of sport fish producing stunted fish populations.
• Negatively impact local economies.
• Threaten human health by creating ideal mosquito breeding habitats.
• Restrict water flow, resulting in flooding.
• Reduce lakefront aesthetics and property values.
• Increase the sedimentation of waterways.

Non-native aquatic plants, such as hydrilla, water lettuce, and water hyacinth, are invasive weeds that can cause significant environmental harm.

• Help slow the spread of these species and prevent additional invasive aquatic species from becoming established.
• Clean all aquatic plants (even small fragments) and mud from your boat and trailer before leaving a waterway.