Stop the Spread of Invasive Species
Effective 2019, there are new requirements to stop the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.
- A person shall not:
- Launch or transport watercraft or trailers unless they are free of aquatic organisms, including plants.
- Transport a watercraft without removing all drain plugs and draining all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells.
- Release unused bait into the water.
- Boaters should learn to identify non-native species that they may encounter and take precautions to prevent the spread of these species.
- Inspect boats, trailers, and equipment, and remove all mud, debris, and aquatic plant material from trailers and watercraft before launching or retrieving a watercraft. Use a hose or power washer when available, and dry all equipment thoroughly before leaving the access area.
- Drain live wells, bilges, and all water from boats before leaving the access site. Disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water) when possible. Fish diseases and microscopic life stages of aquatic invasive species can be hiding in seemingly clean water, so draining is an important step.
- Dispose of unused bait in the trash. Do not release bait into the water. Release of bait and minnows can lead to the unintended introduction of aquatic invasive species.
- Do not transfer fish to waterbodies other than where they were caught. This helps prevent the spread of both aquatic invasive species and fish diseases.
