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 UW Extension and Associate 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. The songs have been vetted by natural resource professionals to assure they are scientifically accurate and recommendations are consistent with current laws. Listen to these songs and share with others to promote simple behaviors that can protect the quality of our lakes and rivers for future generations.
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 Wisconsin’s waters pure and clean.
Listen to the song and read the lyrics.
Song: Conquer the Spiny Water Flea
Singer/Songwriter: Ella Shaw
Description: This hope-filled indie folk rock song challenges boaters to stop spiny water fleas from further invading our inland lakes. Spiny water fleas – be warned!
Listen to the song and read the lyrics.
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.
Listen to the song and read the lyrics.
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.