Aquatic Invasive Species

Key Facts

An invasive species is from a foreign geographical area and grows excessively, diminishing the number and habitat area for native species.

Did You Know?

The following aquatic animals and plants are already in Torch Lake.

Invasive species in Torch Lake in 2023

Invasive Features:

• Bottom Dwelling Fish up to 10 inches
• Eats Eggs and young of native fish like lake trout, competes with sculpin, eats zebra mussels

Means of Introduction: Recently, June 2018, found in Torch Lake also present in Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Charlevoix and Jordan River.

First found in North America in 1990 in St. Clair River between Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair.

Response: Round Goby recently identified in Torch Lake during DNR Fish Survey of 2018.

Invasive Features:

• More aggressive than native crayfish, avoids fish predation more than natives and eats eggs and young of native crayfish.

Means of Introduction: Into the Elk Rapids Chain of Lakes as bait release by anglers and/or aquarium release by hobbyists, teachers or students who enjoy or study the species.

Response: Population of Rusty Crayfish in Torch Lake has not been studied nor removal pursued.

Invasive Features:

• Deprives food (plankton floating in water) to native clams and young fish.
• Very sharp shells cause deep cuts to humans, clogs water pipes.

Means of Introduction: In 1990s by ballast water from transoceanic ships into the Great Lakes. By late 1990s and early 2000s Zebra mussels, their larvae or eggs attached to recreational boats in the Great Lakes were launched into inland lakes in the Elk River Chain of Lakes.

Response: Zebra Mussel population was not studied in Torch Lake. But, following a peak in their population one summer, numbers crashed due to lack of food.

Invasive Features:

• Deprives food to plant eating fish by consuming algae-plankton in the water. Eats fish larvae, fingerlings and small fish.

Means of Introduction: In 2000 by ballast water from transoceanic ships into the Great Lakes; Recreational boats in Great Lakes launched into inland lakes in the Elk River Chain of Lakes (Elk and Torch Lakes) carried mussel larvae and eggs.

Response: Quagga mussels were initially found in Torch lake in 2015. Three Lakes Association confirmed their presence in Torch Lake’s deep water in 2023. 

Invasive Features:

• Grows from fragments of the plant and underground runners.

Means of Introduction: Introduced as an ornamental plant in 1940s. Reached Midwest in 1980.Currently found in 45 of the 50 United States.

Response: Three Lakes Association has been active in monitoring and removing Eurasian Milfoil from Alden Harbor, Torch Lake embayment south of Clam River and in Clam River at Butch’s Boat Launch since 2000. Benthic barriers, hand pulling with snuba and chemical application methods have been used. Eurasian milfoil continues to return.

Found in: Torch Lake

• Clam River Outlet at Butch’s Marina Launch and Boatwells
• Immediately South of Clam River Outlet In Stoney Point Embayment
• Off Alden at the Old School Boiler
• Alden Safe Harbor and Boatwells
• Sandbar Sucker Holes

Step 1.Whenever you exit or enter a new body of water

• Clean off plants from boats, trailers and equipment.
• Drain water from live wells, bilges and ballast tanks.
• Dry off boats and equipment.
• Dispose of any plants and unwanted bait in the trash.

Step 2. Carefully clean your fishing gear after each use.

With these simple habits after getting out on the water, we can keep the following invasive species out of Torch Lake.

Aquatic Invasive Species in the Region

Let’s Keep Them Out of Torch Lake

If you suspect you see one of these aquatic invasive species in Torch Lake, please contact Michigan Invasive Species Program by email at [email protected] OR contact Antrim Counservation District at 231-533-8363 or [email protected].

Invasive: Mollusks

Characteristics:

Native to New Zealand.

Found in Snake River Idaho in 1987, now in 10 western states and 4 of the 5 Great Lakes (not Huron)

Very small, 1/8th inch snails lives in streams, rivers and lakes in mud, rocks, aquatic vegetation and woody debris.

Reproduces without fertilization. Female lays up to 120 eggs at a time.

Can survive out of water for several weeks in cool, damp conditions.

Travels in fishing gear.

Impact-Fish Populations

Characteristics:

Native of Eurasia, Africa and Australia

Introduced in mid 1800s to the United States

Forms dense mats like Eurasian Watermilfoil

Impact- interferes with recreational activities and inhibits growth of native plants

Characteristics:

Native to Europe, Asia and Japan

In 1978 introduced in ballast water along St. Lawrence River, 1981 Lake Ontario, 1983 Lake St. Clair. Michigan has most reported occurrences of any state.

Forms dense mats in lakes.

Impacts- interferes with recreational activities, fish movement and spawning.

Characteristics:

Native to India and Sri Lanka.

Introduced in 1950s by aquarium trade. Entered Florida water system and currently in 28 Southeast and Western States.

Grows from fragments and tubers.

Impacts – Interferes with recreational activities and inhibits growth of native plants