The Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species (CANS)

Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are plants, animals or microbes that create negative impacts on the environment. These impacts can be ecological or economic, but are most commonly both. The direct and indirect impacts of ANS
are felt by everyone, not just by boaters and fishers. There is usually no solution for dealing with a nuisance species after it is established in the wild, so the most important thing we can do is to prevent introduction. The Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species (CANS) is dedicated to reducing the human caused spread of the nuisance species that are invading our waters.

CANS is working to slow, reduce and eliminate the spread of ANS by providing solutions to long-identified problems that must be addressed. By focusing on scientific research, education programs and policy development CANS will help to engage  people in the cooperative effort to reduce spread.

Zebra and Quagga Mussels are aggressive invaders that will colonize on any hard surface, such as this outboard motor propeller.

Research

How do humans move ANS and what we can do about it? What is the best way to clean boats, boots and other equipment? The ANS problem is large and growing, and only a vigilant public can stop the spread. CANS wants to partner with every agency, organization and individual that is interested in working together to find solutions. For more information about CANS, contact us.

Education

CANS will design, implement, and assess new programs designed to make the public widely aware of the ANS problem and how they can help. Through collaborative partnerships with various States, the Federal Government and other private groups and individuals CANS will advance the development of successful model programs that can be replicated in other areas. CANS personnel offer ANS training for schools, sportsman, and conservation groups. Check our workshop/training schedule at the bottom of the page.

didymo algae in New Zealand river

Didymosphenia geminata a.k.a. 'Rock Snot' or 'didymo' is an aggressive invasive algae impacting cold waters around the world, such as this river in New Zealand clogged with didymo.

Policy

In many ways ANS issues are just now emerging with enough significance that they are demanding serious attention. Many resource managers and agency officials are discovering that existing polices and statutes are not adequate to deal with the new situations created by ANS. CANS will develop policy related products that allow regulators to achieve a consistent approach to ANS.

ANS represent a grave threat to the economy and ecology of the Western United States. Their impacts are large and growing and only a vigilant public can stop the spread. CANS wants to partner with every agency, organization and individual that is interested in working together to find solutions. For more information about CANS please contact us.

Do you want to keep up-to-date on CANS development, ANS work, and other news or help support to our cause? Subscribe to the Clean Angling Newsletter or check out our quality merchandise with the CANS logo for sale at the bottom of the page.

Thank you for your interest in our effort to control or stop aquatic nuisance species infestation. With your help and support, CANS will make a real difference in the on-going struggle to keep our waterways free of unwanted "guests" so we can enjoy our fishing, boating, and on-the-water recreation for years - and generations - to come.