Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are threatening the public’s angling and boating recreation and our state’s water and electrical infrastructure.  It is critical for anyone who owns or uses watercraft, or has a business reliant on watercraft, to understand the essential nature of this aquatic invasive species containment effort by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The spread of quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species has far-reaching impacts, both financial and ecological, that can touch virtually every resident of the state.  Whether you fish, or boat, or simply get water and electricity to your home, these aquatic invaders WILL affect your lifestyle…and possibly your wallet.   Aquatic Invasive Species are defined in state statute {A.R.S. §17-255} as: “…any aquatic species that is not native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction or presence in this State may cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.”  {A.R.S. §17-255.1}.  It does not include, “...any non-indigenous species lawfully of historically introduced into this State for sport fishing recreation.” {A.R.S. §17-255.2(a)}
		Arizona’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Interdiction Act (HB2157) was approved and signed into law in July of 2009.  This legislation created a mechanism for the State of Arizona to statutorily address invasive species in the aquatic environment, administered through the Arizona Game and Fish Department.  The AIS Interdiction Act also provided for the establishment of the Department’s AIS Program, along with the creation of AIS “Director’s Orders” and associated watercraft cleaning/decontamination protocols.   The current AIS Director’s Orders are in effect as of March 1, 2011.  Please note the area to the right called “Current AIS Resources” for further information.

Current Aquatic Invasive Species Program Events/Meetings

Contacts: Tom McMahon at 623 236-7271; Kami Silverwood at 623 236-7608

Don't Move a Mussel - What it Really Means

• Central Arizona Quagga Team Meeting – OPEN to interested public     
  
  (Site to be determined)
  August 1, 2013   9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  
  
  
     
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan Development Training
       
  AGFD Main Office - Eagle Room
  Date TBD
       
       
• Watercraft Inspection Training (WIT Level II) – OPEN to interested public     
  
  (To be determined)
  Fall 2013 - Winter 2014