Stopping Aquatic Invaders
Procedures to Limit the Spread of Invasive Species
Boaters can take action to help prevent the spread of aquatic species by stopping unwanted hitchhikers from riding home on their gear.
Federal resource agencies concerned with the spread of aquatic invasive species have formed a national group called the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force. Agencies like the Fish & Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and Coast Guard are members of the group. Together they have developed a set of guidelines for recreational boaters that should be used every time they come into contact with a water body. Following these recommendation will slow or prevent the spread on non-native invasive species like zebra mussels. The Task Force has an informative page detailing their species of concern (SOC).
Procedures developed by the Task Force are meant to limit a harmful species from hitching a ride on your boat or gear after leaving the water. Many invasive species are too small to observe directly and routine use of these practices will help keep them from taking a ride. Boaters should be familiar with the common terms and phrases used in discussing aquatic invasive species.
Before Leaving the Launch Ramp or Beach - These procedures are meant to prevent transportation of biological material from one body of water to another:
- Remove any mud or dirt on your boat, boat trailer or gear. Larval animal forms that can't be seen are able to live and survive in the mud and dirt
- Ensure no plants or animals are visible on your equipment. Even a plant fragment could pose a problem. Examine boats, trailers, buckets, boots, bait wells, live wells and clothing
- Eliminate and drain all water from your boat and gear. Water can be trapped by motors, jet drives, boat hulls, seaplane floats and fishing gear
- After excess water is eliminated, clean and dry anything that contacted the water
- Use water hotter than 40° C (104° F) or saltwater to clean the equipment. If hot water is not available, use a pressure washer to clean the gear
- If at all possible, let your boat and gear dry for five days before use at a different waterway
- Wash your dog with warm water and brush it
- Smaller items or hard to clean items can be treated in a bath of 100% vinegar to kill harmful organisms. Soaking items in an 1% salt solution for 24 hours can be used in place of the vinegar
- Don't release plants, bait or other animals into a body of water, unless they came from that water body. This may even be illegal in some areas
- Avoid releasing plants or animals into storm sewer drains
Pets and fishing baits are of special concern. Aquatic and aquarium pets should not be released into any water body or storm sewer drain. Try to give these creatures to another hobbyist or destroy them well away from nearby waterways. Don't release unused fishing bait into the water. Many areas have specific regulations about the use of live bait, be sure to follow them. Dispose of bait well upland from the water.
