Research shows music can influence how people respond to messages, influencing memory and recall, emotion, information processing, attitudes, and even behavior. To explore how music can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, Environmental Communication Specialist for the University of Wisconsin Extension and Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Sciences Communication, Bret Shaw, worked with a group of singer/songwriters to produce these songs to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin and beyond. 

These songs have been vetted by natural resource professionals to assure they are scientifically accurate and recommendations are consistent with current laws in Wisconsin. Listen to these songs and share with others to promote simple behaviors that can protect the quality of lakes and rivers for future generations.

Song: Clean Boats, Clean Waters Singer/Songwriter: James T. Spartz Description: This rockabilly-inspired country song offers some straight-forward advice for protecting the future of our lakes - it's easy - just clean your boat when moving from one body of water to another.

Song: One Bait, One Lake Singer/Songwriter: Andrew Isham Description: This rock tune proclaims the importance of not moving bait minnows from one lake to another if water has already been added from the first lake to the minnow bucket. This simple act helps prevent VHS fish disease (viral hemorrhagic septicemia) from spreading from an infected to a non-infected lake.

Song: The Ballad of Aquatic Invasive Species Singer/Songwriter: Scott Gatzke Description: This folk song reminds listeners about the importance of cleaning boats when moving them between bodies of water to keep waters pure and clean.