Smith: Quagga mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, spiny water fleas ... and a catchy tune

The musical theme for "Ghostbusters" was nominated for best original song at the 1985 Academy Awards.

It failed to win an Oscar. But the catchy refrain was enshrined in American pop culture.

Local environmental educators hope to seize on the ditty's popularity to do more than sell records or movie tickets.

"It can be daunting to try to get the AIS message out," said Brad Steckart, aquatic invasive species coordinator for Washington and Waukesha counties. "I think it can help if there's an element of fun attached to it."

With that in mind, Steckart and several colleagues created a video called "Boatbusters!"

The piece is set against the musical backdrop of the "Ghostbusters" song.

But in this case the good guys are not after a paranormal entity. They're looking for non-native plants and animals found in many southeastern Wisconsin waterways.

Who you gonna call? That's right, "Boatbusters!"

The video includes "Milfoil Man" playing air guitar and AIS hunters in protective white overalls. 

The parody is light and fast-paced. But it also features serious tenets of state law designed to prevent spread of the damaging plants and animals: inspect, remove, drain and never move.

The video was created and performed by Steckart and AIS project interns Jenna Bales, Adam Chilinske and Sara Fox.

It was filmed at the Big Cedar Lake public boat landing in West Bend.

The piece has already accomplished something the original song couldn't. It won an award.

"Boatbusters!" was named winner of the 14th Annual Invader Crusader contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Steckart and colleagues were presented the award June 6 at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. The contest is part of Invasive Species Action Month activities.

As boating activity peaks in summer in most of North America, so does the potential for spread of AIS.

Some of the key species of concern are zebra and quagga mussels, Eurasian water milfoil and spiny water fleas.

The organisms can spread by hitching a ride on boats and other equipment, including trailers, anchors, live wells, buckets and bilges.

Because many invasive species can also be hidden in mud, it's also vital to clean off anchors, state officials say. 

Anglers are also reminded to never move live fish away from a waterbody (kill the fish and put them on ice). Further, they should dispose of unwanted bait in the trash and buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer.

The "Boatbusters!" message is timed to reach the public as part of the 10th annual statewide Boat Landing Blitz.

The effort, spanning June 29 to July 4, is the largest yearly effort in Wisconsin to reduce the spread of invasive species.

Aquatic invasive species staff and volunteers will be at boat landings statewide to perform inspections and help educate boaters and anglers on best practices to protect Wisconsin waters.

In fact, the steps are not only recommended, they are legally required. Failure to comply can result in tickets and fines.

This year the inspectors and volunteers will hand out towels at the Boat Landing Blitz to remind boaters how to prevent the spread of AIS.

Last year volunteers inspected more than 14,000 boats and spoke with more than 32,000 people. 

While increased boating activity brings a risk for the spread of AIS, Steckart also sees it as an opportunity for outreach.

"The vast majority of people do the right thing when they know the steps to take," Steckart said. "And we encounter some who aren't aware of what they need to do. But once they're informed, they are very supportive and compliant with the laws."

There is also a positive message to share: Most Wisconsin waters are free of AIS.

Of more than 15,000 lakes in Wisconsin, only about 860 have Eurasian water milfoil and about 280 have zebra mussels, according to DNR data.

Preventing the spread of AIS requires knowledge and vigilance. And it's a responsibility we'll have the rest of our days.

But it's very important to the health of our native ecosystems.

And it isn't a lost cause.

"It’s important to be a good steward of the water and land," Steckart said. "By taking a few simple measures, you are protecting the waters of the state now and for future generations."