The oklahoma department of wildlife conservation aquatic nuisance species program consists of a full time coordinator (biologist) and a full time technician

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through its Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species program (CFDA 15.608), awarded a $121,509.33 Project Grant to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

This grant supports ODWC's Aquatic Nuisance Species Program, which consists of a full-time coordinator and technician. The program aims to address the significant ecological and economic threats posed by aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels, hydrilla, invasive carp, and other species established in Oklahoma's lakes and rivers. Key activities include: increasing early detection sampling for zebra mussels, assisting with the management of invasive aquatic plants, reviewing permits and regulations, coordinating with stakeholders, and conducting public outreach and education efforts. The grant will also fund the program's other responsibilities, such as answering public inquiries, providing staff training, and updating signage across the state.

Aquatic nuisance species pose significant ecological and economic threats to aquatic ecosystems in oklahoma. Zebra mussels and hydrilla and invasive carp and golden alga and yellow floating heart among others have already become established in the lakes and rivers of oklahoma. These species as well as species in neighboring states pose economic and ecological threats to our aquatic resources. Bigheaded carp (silver and bighead carp) have been present in the lower red river watershed and its tributaries since at least 2012 and bighead carp in the neosho river grand lake system since 1992.both systems are actively being studied by odwc and universities. We expect to increase our early detection sampling for zebra mussels throughout the state during the calendar years 2024 and 2025. Plankton samples will be sent to the bureau of reclamation lab in denver colorado for analysis using light microscopy and PCR techniques. Obtaining results from plankton samples will help inform if there have been any new water bodies contaminated with zebra mussels. If there are new contaminations we plan to inform the public as well as other associated agencies to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels to other parts of the states or even other states. The aquatic nuisance species program assists when necessary with the management of aquatic invasive plants such as hydrilla and yellow floating heart and alligator weed. If established invasive aquatic plants could cause significant ecological and economic harm by causing unpleasant experiences for anglers or recreational users. If used for drinking water plants can also affect water intake infrastructure. The aquatic nuisance species coordinator and technician have a variety of other responsibilities to review various aquatic permits for the agency and write regulation changes if necessary and attend conferences to participate in invasive species committees and disseminate information and learn from other states management practices of invasive species management. Meetings are attended often weekly to coordinate with local municipalities and nongovernmental groups and tribes and state and federal agencies regarding invasive species. Additionally we plan update and increase signage statewide. We are also working with our communications department to send out newsletters and press releases and social media posts and informational letters to our constituents. We are also responsible for answering various regulation questions from the public and providing training to agency staff on the decontamination and reporting and identification of aquatic nuisance species and review our state regulations.