Nez Perce Tribe
Department of Fisheries and Resources Management
Aquatic Invasive & Nuisance Species Program
Areas of Focus
The Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries & Resources Management Aquatic Invasive & Nuisance Species (AINS) Program looks to inform the general public on species of concern, invasive predators, & problematic fish species for the usual and accustomed places of the NiMiiPuu as well as areas that can affect those lands.
Predator Management
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Predator management is one major area of focus for the Nez Perce AINS Program which involves exploring and implementing the most effective ways to manage and limit predation on salmon, steelhead, and lamprey by avian predators such as pelicans and cormorants, and predatory fish, such as Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. By monitoring and actively suppressing the presence of invasive and nuisance predators, the Nez Perce AINS Program aims to support the successes of other natural resources programs whose work consists of protecting and conserving salmonid and other native fish populations through research and rehabilitation programs, while further protecting significant natural and cultural resources vital for the survival of both tribal and non-tribal communities located throughout the traditional NiMiiPuu homeland.
Freshwater Invasive Mussel Prevention & Early Detection Monitoring
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Prevention and early detection are the best tools to fight against invasive freshwater mussels such as quagga, zebra and golden mussels. Once these species become established in a new waterbody it is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to completely eradicate them. The cost in time and effort, in addition to the risks posed to resources and critical infrastructure, are significant. Estimates suggest the costs of managing impacts from an invasive mussel invasion in the Pacific Northwest could reach over $500 million annually. These impacts threaten hydropower facilities, irrigation infrastructure, municipal drinking water and sewage treatment facilities, and one that would be a major impact to Columbia River Tribes, fish hatcheries and research operations. The Nez Perce Tribe AINS Program is dedicated to monitoring for invasive mussels and coordinating with local and regional partners to conduct monitoring activities, including veliger tows, water quality, and sampling artificial substrate devices. The Nez Perce AINS Program is also working on developing a mussel sniffing canine team that will help monitor key areas of concern, support watercraft inspection stations and invasive mussel surveys, and help spread educational awareness throughout traditional NiMiiPuu homelands.
Outreach & Education​
Building awareness and sharing information is one of the tools we use to fight the spread of invasive species. More importantly, it is the best way to inform the public and positively reinforce desired behaviors to improve compliance with recommended best management practices and laws aimed to minimize the impacts of invasive species on native plants and animals. AINS Program staff regularly participate in community events, school presentations, and other educational activities in an effort to reach a broader audience by sharing information about the threats posed by invasive and nuisance species to the usual and accustomed homelands of the NiMiiPuu. Stay tuned for updates regarding upcoming community events where you can come visit with us to learn and share your own experiences.