- Author: Leigh Taylor Johnson
Getting the word out about especies invasoras acuáticas (aquatic invasive species) en Español is not just about translating English flyers and posters. For example the slogan, “Don’t Move a Mussel,” is catchy in English because it’s a play on words. The pun doesn’t work in Spanish. Myriam Grajales-Hall, News & Outreach in Spanish Program Manager for UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, explains that English needs to be adapted, instead of translated, to Spanish. Adapting takes into account cultural differences and how each language is put together.
To address this challenge, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist Ted Grosholz and Advisors Jodi Cassell, Sabrina Drill, Leigh Johnson and Greg Giusti and California Sea Grant Extension Aquatic Resources Specialist Carolynn Culver teamed up with Grajales-Hall.
They held focus groups in northern and southern California during May and June 2013 to ask for advice from English- and Spanish-speaking boaters, anglers, kayakers, and staff of community organizations and the California Departments of Parks, Boating and Waterways, and Fish and Wildlife. The groups took a look at existing print materials and PSAs, gave their opinions on what else is needed, and suggested good ways to reach Spanish speakers who enjoy aquatic recreation.
The results are still being analyzed, but Grajales-Hall and her staff are already reaching out en Español. Click on these links to see their website article and YouTube video on especies invasoras acuáticas and their Facebook and Twitter pages en Español.
Renewable Resources Extension Act funding from US Department of Agriculture supported the focus group project.
- Author: Leigh Taylor Johnson
Boaters, anglers and government staff who play or work in lakes, bays, rivers, creeks and watersheds are on the front lines in battling invasions of harmful aquatic species.
Like the infamous quagga and zebra mussels, many different species can out-compete (or eat) native species, creating havoc in our aquatic ecosystems. In large numbers, they can clog waterways, water pipes, and engine cooling systems. Dense mats of pondweeds can throw deeper waters into shade, causing oxygen levels to drop and fish to die. The risk of spreading invasive zebra mussels is so serious, that beautiful San Justo Reservoir in central California is closed to recreational use because it is infested with them.
What can you do to combat these invasions? If you work or play in lakes, creeks, rivers, or watersheds, you can be part of the action!
If you notice a suspected invasive species, it’s important to report it to agencies so they can take rapid action. In future blogs, we’ll talk about species to watch out for, how to report them, and how to inspect and decontaminate boats and field gear. These tips are taken from workshops that Cooperative Extension Advisors Leigh Johnson, Sabrina Drill and Darren Haver conducted for 181 public works, watersheds, and parks agency staff in southern California. They are based on scientific research and agency protocols.
