Op/Ed: Invasive Species Harm Ecosystem

In South Lake Tahoe every year, many new species are brought in and out of the Lake. While some locals have boats, only some use them in other lakes. The city of South Lake Tahoe regulates wildlife brought in and out of the basin and lake by requiring boats to get inspected, but neglects the need to educate the future community about the harmful animals that can be brought into the lake. These are the new workers and people that will be living and giving to the community. There are lectures for people and teens to be a part of, but actually teaching about our lake is the best way to keep it clear and healthy for years to come. Without providing facts about how the life in the lake and surrounding area may change, many invasive species can take over our lake’s ecosystem.

Invasive species can be brought in by hand or can sneak in on a boat that has just been in other waters, changing the ecosystem of the lake in a negative way. They cause algae blooms and create habitat for other invasive species. Algae blooms decrease lake clarity and make a home for species to mate and leave eggs. Some invasives are not yet in the lake but are on our doorstep, such as mussels, which reproduce very fast and if left for a while, could do irreversible damage to the ecosystem. Using a boat in Lake Tahoe requires an inspection for aquatic invasive species of any craft brought out of Lake Tahoe. While there are some checkpoints to stop boats and rafts to find these hiding species, they are only open during busy events such as the fourth of July. This precaution can prevent many species from entering our lake but will only work if every boat is inspected. It can be a hassle, especially for traveling locals that don’t feel the need to re-inspect their boats after entering a different lake. People don’t think of the many hidden organisms, and need to be educated about looking for them. Informing locals could help reduce this problem so our lake stays clear and healthy.
Educating locals about the struggles of lake Tahoe and the new and old animals will greatly benefit the forest service decision making on wildlife. Town leaders and administration, bringing this education into schools such as using science classes to teach about the lake’s ecosystem, will help the new generation make better decisions on what comes in and out of the lake and basin. Unwanted animals would contribute hazardously to the lake's ecosystem but also to the people. Tourists would not particularly like having a shark in the lake, let alone the locals who spend every summer day on the beach. The introduction of non-native fish, without education, can soon destroy the food chain in the lake. On the other hand, some help the ecosystem such as Zooplankton which feed the fish in Lake Tahoe and keep algae growth under control. Zooplankton continue to be an important role in the food chain of the lake since 1967. With the introduction of fish that eat too many Zooplankton can throw off the balance of the ecosystem. Many species in Lake Tahoe can become harmed by plans that are not well thought out and the future people of our town must be educated in these issues.

To keep the lake pristine, the city has to utilize the checkpoints that are set up. To learn about these problems is a very good idea when trying to keep a beautiful lake and world around us. Even though the city provides lectures to students, city officials should try to bring more specific learning into classrooms so new generations that spend later years here can still share the same lake as we have now.

Mason Cain
Junior at South Tahoe High School