Spiny waterfleas found in Lake Mille Lacs

AITKIN, Minn. — Another invasive species has been found in Lake Mille Lacs, one of Minnesota's most popular walleye fisheries.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources discovered spiny waterfleas in Mille Lacs last week. It's the first discovery of the species outside of Lake Superior and certain U.S.-Canadian border waters, such as Lake of the Woods, Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake.

The DNR says the impacts of spiny waterfleas on lake ecosystems are largely unknown, but there's concern they could affect the food chain.

In response, the DNR plans to update the signs and continue watercraft inspections and enforcement efforts around the lake, which were increased earlier this year due to the discovery of zebra mussels.

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On the Net:

Minnesota DNR spiny waterflea page:

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/spinywaterflea/index.html