When is the best time for cleaning your boat to stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species

Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are invading coastal and inland waters. More than 50 non-native and 40 species that may not be native have been identified in Long Island Sound. Boaters can unwittingly play a role in spreading ANS. These pests can increase dramatically under the right conditions, degrading habitat and community structure by causing localized extinction of rare and endangered species or displacing native species. They can also choke waterways, thereby impacting navigation and recreation.

Beware of Transporting Plants and Animals

Recreational boating is one way that aquatic plants and animals are moved from water body to water body, thus introducing ANS. Many ANS species of plants and animals have larval forms that are difficult to see with the human eye. Once established ANS in Long Island Sound are nearly impossible to remove. In freshwater systems, there are mechanisms that can curtail growth, but the options are all expensive. ANS can be transported when caught in propellers, intakes, attached to boat hulls, entangled in boat trailers or when live bait from another area is released into a water body.

It is now illegal in Connecticut to transport aquatic plants on vessels or trailers on inland waters. Violation of the law carries a fine of up to $100 per plant and requires a court appearance. Care should also be exercised in transporting ANS within Long Island Sound because localized environmental problems can arise.

Boaters can take an active role in the General Prevention and Impacts of ANS on Connecticut waters. For further information, please visit Aquatic Nuisance Species or contact the DEEP's Boating Division at 860-434-8638.

Tips for Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species

Avoid chopping vegetation with your boat’s propeller.
Remove all visible aquatic vegetation from boat, propeller, anchor, lines and trailer before leaving any body of water. Discard vegetation in trash away from water and the shore.
Drain live wells and bait buckets into suitable containers before leaving the site.
Do not throw purchased bait or vegetative packing material from bait into the water when you are done fishing. Small organisms can live on the plant material used to keep the bait moist.
Dry out your boat for at least two days (five is best) or wash down hull with tap water on land before launching again.
Flush engine cooling system, bilge areas and live wells with tap water.

Content Last Updated on December 26, 2019.

Chances are, no matter where you are in the country, you’ve heard of a local problem with a non-native plant or animal species that has been introduced into your local environment. Who hasn't heard of at least one of the following: zebra mussels--like the one pictured on the right, carp, kudzu, snakehead fish, European green crab, or lampreys.

These alien species can wreak havoc on the natural balance of our waterways. While zebra mussels may appear to be cleaning up the Great Lakes (the water is much clearer than in years past) there are monumental negative implications of these mussels being there. And like many species that are not native, they are easily transported to new areas, and highly adaptable to new climates.

As boaters, we have an important role to play in NOT transporting species from one body of water to another. Experts predict that many aquatic nuisance species (ANS) will spread because of actions taken by un-informed people, and by trailered boats going from one lake to another, or from a lake to a river.

Almost every area of the country has specific nuisance species concerns that can be found on the internet. Visit the ANS Task Force for the latest information on various alien species.

Minimize the Risk

Here are some basic ideas that every boater needs to know in order to minimize the risk of being the carrier of ANS to a new waterway:

If you are moving your boat from one water body to another, you are a potential carrier of plants and animals to the next waterway. Heads-up!
Both big boats and small boats can be the carrier of ANS.
Many ANS (like zebra mussels) can be transported in water, on equipment, the trailer, or on the boat. In their juvenile stage, you will not even be able to see them.
If you have visible growth on the side of your boat you should double check that these are not ANS – contact your state Sea Grant or US Fish and Wildlife Agent if you have any doubts. Moving ANS from one state to another is not only really stupid, it’s against the law.
If you are boating in an area where ANS are known to live, you should be especially careful about cleaning your boat off before taking it to a new waterway.

At any waterbody, if you have a small trailered boat, and have just pulled the boat out of the water but are still at the ramp, here are some things to check.

Pull all plants or plant fragments off. Check the rollers to make sure there aren't any plants between the boat and the roller or the pads. Make sure your engine doesn't have any plants in the propeller.
Empty all water from the boat, the live well, the bilge, and the bait bucket.
Dump all unused bait at the fishing site, or give it to someone else who might be fishing.
Wash off your boat, your ski lines, your gear, your engine, and scrub with a disposable rag. Leave the rag in the garbage can at the ramp.
The overall idea with this cleaning process is to leave all plants and animals at the ramp, instead of moving any of them to another area of water or taking them home accidentally.

ONE FINAL NOTE:
Plants, fish, insects and animals from home aquariums should not be disposed of in lakes or anywhere in the natural environment. Many of these species are NOT native, and can destroy our local waterways.

Recently adopted Washington state law prohibits transport of any aquatic nuisance species on any size boats, trailers, fishing gear, or bait wells, and allows state authorities to detain suspected carriers. Also, when entering Washington by road, any trailered vessel that has been used outside of the state must have documentation that the vessel is free of aquatic nuisance species.