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Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species from Spreading

Jan. 2 2023 Lifestyle By Blue Water Boats

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Every responsible boater should be asking themselves “how can I prevent aquatic invasive species?”

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) have become an increasingly big problem over the last few decades thanks to global trade and a boom in boating. Any time you move a boat from one body of water to another, you may be transporting an invasive aquatic hitchhiker to a previously secure body of water. It might be too small to see because it is in seed, egg, or larval form, but it could flourish in a new place and end up crowding out or otherwise harming native species, or causing other problems that are nearly impossible to reverse.

Here’s some information on how to be part of the solution, not part of the problem, when it comes to preventing the spread of AIS.

How to Avoid Introducing Aquatic Invasive Species

AIS can include fish, mollusks, shellfish, plants, and algae. If they are non-native and they are successful, they qualify as invasive. Animals and plants living outside their native range can also be called non-native, nuisance, nonindigenous, alien, exotic, or hitchhiker organisms.

The simplest answer is to follow all rules, regulations, and protocols to the T. Don’t cut corners and don’t rush it. When you see signs or rules requiring specific cleaning methods or inspections, embrace them. If you see a boat cleaning station, rejoice and use it. Those rules and resources are for the benefit of everyone, especially our native species that are being threatened by these exotics.

Clean. Drain. Dry

“Clean. Drain. Dry.” This is the simple and vital message of Stop Aquatic Hitchikers, a national education campaign dedicated to communicating a cohesive message about how individuals can help prevent this problem. People who recreate on the water can play a vital role in preventing the spread of these harmful species.

Here is the general Clean Drain Dry procedure:

CLEAN off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access.

  • Rinse equipment and boat hulls (with high pressure, hot water when possible)
  • Rinse interior compartments of boats with low pressure, hot water (120°F)
  • Flush motor with hot water (120°F) for 2 minutes (or according to owner’s manual)

DRAIN motor, bilge, livewell, and other water-containing devices before leaving water access.

DRY everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse. (Drying is necessary as many organisms can survive in standing water.)

For ANGLERS, the additional step of DISPOSE is recommended: DISPOSE of unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash. When keeping live bait, drain bait containers and replace with spring or dechlorinated tap water. Never dump live fish or other organisms from one water body into another.

On behalf of boaters and anglers everywhere, Blue Water Boats thanks you for helping preserve our precious waterways by not spreading AIS. If you’re looking for boats for sale, check out our inventory! We are based in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. We also proudly serve those in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.