Going Coastal’s Invasive Species Prevention Campaign designed a poster to alert boaters, fishers and kayakers about ways they can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive plants and animals through their boating practices.

Several species of non-native plants and animals can become attached to boat hulls and propellers, trailers, live wells and fishing equipment. Beyond boating, various types of water recreation sports and activities can transport aquatic invasive species. Many waterbodies have become infested because of accidental introductions by water enthusiasts. Invasive species have already disrupted the Hudson River to the detriment of popular native fish species like shad and striped bass. Kayakers and anglers can also be problematic in the fight against aquatic invasive species.

Hitching rides on boats and paddles, nonnative plants and animals get easy passage from one body of water to another – where they wreak havoc on native communities. Zebra and Quagga mussels to Hydrilla and Eurasian Watermilfoil, invasive species threaten water quality and the ecosystems where we boat. Educating boaters at the local level about how to prevent the spread of these species is vitally important. This project was funded through a Clean Water grant from the BoatUS Foundation.

Prevent the transport of aquatic nuisance species.

Simple steps to adopt every time you leave the water:

1.      Clean with high-pressure or hot water and dry boats, trailers, paddles and fishing equipment that comes in contact with water before entering new waters.
   

2.      Remove visible mud, plants, fish or animals before and after launching.
   

3.      Drain all water from the boat, trailer and all other fishing and boating equipment before leaving the water body.
   

4.      Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they were found there.
   

5.      Flush engine and dispose of livewell, bait bucket and cooling water away from the shore after each use.
   

It only takes a few minutes to inspect and clean your boat and other equipment each time you leave the water and allow it to completely dry before entering another body of water.

Invasive Species Resources:

1. Invasive Species Blog
   

2. Long Island Sound Invasives
   

3. NYS DEC Invasive Species
   

4. Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
   

5. Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force