Here are a few precautions that the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Coast Guard
recommend to protect your favorite fishing and
boating spots from an unwanted invasion. It is
important to follow these procedures every time
you come into contact with any body of water.
Even if you think the waterway is pristine,
there may be an invasive species that has not
yet been discovered. There are hundreds of
different harmful species ranging from plants,
fish, amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks,
diseases or pathogens. Some organisms are so
small, you may not even realize they are
hitching a ride with you.
- Remove any visible plant matter, animals,
mud, and dirt from your boat, trailer, boots,
waders, decoys, and all equipment that was
exposed to the water. Even plant fragments and
dirt may contain tiny hitchhikers.
- Empty water from motors, jet drives, live
wells, boat hulls, canoes and kayaks, scuba
tanks and regulators, boots, waders, bait
buckets, etc. Please do this before you leave.
If you wait until you get home to empty water,
it is likely to run down the gutter into a
storm drain, which could contaminate local
waters.
- Clean your equipment, including your
boat’s engine cooling system, live wells, and
bilge with hot tap water (at least 104° F). If
hot water is not available, spray equipment
such as boats, motors, trailers, anchors,
decoys, floats, and nets with high-pressure
water.
- Make sure that your boat and other
equipment is allowed to dry for at least 5 days
before using it in other waters.
- For equipment that cannot be exposed to hot
water, either dip it in vinegar for 20 minutes
or in a 1-percent saltwater solution for 24
hours. This table provides correct mixtures for
the 1-percent saltwater solution:
| Gallons of Water
|
Cups of
Salt |
| 5 |
2/3 |
| 10 |
1-1/4 |
| 25 |
3 |
| 50 |
6-1/4 |
| 100 |
12-2/3 |
- If your dog gets into the water, wash it
with warm tap water as soon as possible,
brushing its coat thoroughly.
- Do not release unused bait into the waters
you are fishing. Dump any unused bait into a
trashcan. Be aware of any bait regulations, and
do not use live bait in waters where it is
prohibited.
- If you need to get rid of your aquarium
fish or aquatic pets, do not release them into
or near a body of water or a storm drain. If
you cannot find another home for them, bury
them. Dump the aquarium water in the toilet or
in your yard, far away from any storm
drains.
You can find out more about
aquatic invasives and how to prevent their
spread by visit
Stop Aquatic
Hitchhikers. Even if you don’t own
a boat, you can help protect the waters of your
state by contacting your state and federal
legislators and asking them to support Great
Lakes restoration. New legislation is needed to
put in place a long-term restoration strategy
for the lakes and to prevent the further spread
of invasive species.