Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) pose a serious threat to ecosystems, economies, and recreational waterways. These non-native organisms can rapidly spread, outcompeting local species and disrupting the balance of aquatic habitats. From plants like water hyacinth to animals like zebra mussels, AIS can choke waterways, damage boats, clog engines, and even diminish water quality. Fortunately, boaters can play a significant role in stopping the spread of these invasive species by following the simple “Clean, Drain, Dry” method.
What Are Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)?
Aquatic invasive species are non-native organisms that enter water ecosystems where they don’t belong, causing significant harm. They can be introduced through various means, such as ballast water from ships, attachment to recreational boats, fishing gear, or even through aquariums that release foreign species into local waterways.
Once introduced, AIS can proliferate quickly because they often lack natural predators in their new environments. Some common examples include:
- Zebra Mussels: These small mussels attach to surfaces like boats, docks, and water pipes, multiplying quickly and forming dense colonies that can clog infrastructure and damage ecosystems.
- Hydrilla: A fast-growing aquatic plant that can form dense mats on water surfaces, crowding out native vegetation and making water navigation difficult.
- Asian Carp: Known for their disruptive feeding habits, they outcompete native fish, negatively impacting local fisheries and ecosystems.
Why Is It Important to Stop AIS?
AIS impact ecosystems by altering food chains, reducing biodiversity, and often leading to the extinction of native species. In addition, they cause millions of dollars in damage each year by clogging water infrastructure, damaging boats, and reducing water quality. Recreational boating and fishing industries also face significant risks, as dense plant growth and AIS infestations can make waterways difficult to navigate or fish.
The Clean, Drain, Dry Method
The “Clean, Drain, Dry” method is a simple, practical approach designed to prevent AIS from spreading between water bodies. It is critical that every boater, angler, and water sports enthusiast adopts this practice each time they move between lakes, rivers, or other water bodies.
1. Clean
- What to Do: Thoroughly clean your boat, trailer, and equipment after leaving the water.
- Why It’s Important: AIS like zebra mussels can attach to boat hulls, trailers, and gear. By cleaning your equipment, you prevent transporting these species from one water body to another.
- How to Clean: Use a high-pressure water hose or a boat cleaning solution to scrub all surfaces. Be sure to remove any visible mud, plants, and debris.
- Price and Specs: A simple boat cleaning kit costs between $30 and $100, depending on quality. Look for kits that include a stiff brush, hull cleaner, and high-pressure sprayers. A popular choice, like the Meguiar’s M4232 Marine/RV Boat Wash, is available for around $20 for a gallon.
2. Drain
- What to Do: Drain all water from your boat and equipment.
- Why It’s Important: AIS like zebra mussel larvae and small organisms can live in standing water found in bilges, live wells, and ballast tanks. Even a small amount of water can carry harmful species.
- How to Drain: Ensure all water is drained from your boat, including ballast tanks, live wells, bilges, and engine cooling systems. Use a bilge pump or manually drain water from all compartments.
- Price and Specs: Many boats come with built-in bilge pumps, but aftermarket pumps such as the Attwood Sahara Automatic Bilge Pump are available for around $50 to $70.
3. Dry
- What to Do: Let your boat and gear dry completely before entering another water body.
- Why It’s Important: Drying your boat ensures that any remaining organisms die off, as many AIS cannot survive out of water for extended periods.
- How to Dry: Ideally, leave your boat and gear to dry for several days in direct sunlight. If you don’t have that luxury, wipe down all surfaces with a clean towel.
- Price and Specs: Drying is a cost-free step, but investing in microfiber towels, such as the Kirkland Signature Ultra Plush Microfiber Towels (36-pack for about $20), will make the process easier.
Additional AIS Prevention Measures
While the “Clean, Drain, Dry” method is essential, additional measures can help protect waterways and stop the spread of AIS:
- Use Decontamination Stations: Many marinas and lakes now offer decontamination stations that use high-pressure hot water to clean boats more thoroughly. These stations are typically free or low-cost for boaters.
- Avoid Boating in AIS-Infested Waters: If you know a body of water has AIS, consider avoiding it. Once a waterway is infested, it can be challenging to control the spread.
- Be Mindful of Bait and Fishing Gear: AIS can attach to fishing gear or be transported via live bait. Always dispose of unused bait responsibly, and clean your gear after every use.
- Be a Responsible Boater: Report any sightings of AIS to local authorities. Stay informed about local regulations that may require inspections or decontamination before launching your boat in certain areas.
Costs of AIS Spread
The financial burden of AIS is staggering. In the U.S. alone, damage caused by AIS is estimated to cost $120 billion per year. This includes damage to fisheries, recreational boating, water treatment facilities, and the infrastructure needed to manage and contain outbreaks. Preventative measures like the “Clean, Drain, Dry” approach are far more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of an AIS invasion.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Many states and countries have implemented regulations to control the spread of AIS. These can include mandatory boat inspections, decontamination procedures, and restrictions on moving boats between water bodies. In some regions, boaters caught transporting AIS face fines and penalties.
Compliance Tips:
- Know Your Local Laws: Before boating in a new area, check local laws regarding AIS prevention. Some states may require you to carry decontamination documentation.
- Use Inspection Stations: Many boat ramps now include AIS inspection stations. It’s a good practice to utilize these services to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
Stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species is everyone’s responsibility. The “Clean, Drain, Dry” method is a simple yet effective way to protect waterways, preserve biodiversity, and maintain healthy ecosystems. By investing in proper boat cleaning supplies and taking the time to care for your vessel, you can make a big difference in protecting the waters we love. Boaters who follow these steps not only help preserve the environment but also avoid the costly consequences of invasive species spreading across regions.
Whether you’re a casual boater or a seasoned mariner, your actions matter. By adopting and promoting the “Clean, Drain, Dry” routine, you become part of the solution in safeguarding our waterways for future generations.
Happy Boating!
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Read 10 Best Off-the-Grid Locations to Tow Your Boat until we meet in the next article.