Boats, trailers, waders, and other fishing and boating equipment can spread aquatic invasive species from one waterbody to another unless properly cleaned, dried, or disinfected after use. State law requires boaters to take these steps before launching their watercraft (e.g. motor boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis) into public waterbodies. Although some invasive species such as Eurasian water-milfoil are readily visible to the human eye, many others are too small to be easily noticed. To avoid spreading invasive species please use the guidelines below:
Check
Check your boating and fishing equipment for invasive species.
- Carefully examine common attachment points such as trailer bunks, axles, rollers, lights, transducer, license plate, and motor props for any plants, mud, or debris.
- Run your hand along the hull of your boat to check for changes in texture. If it feels like sandpaper, it could have zebra mussels or other invasive species attached.
- Also inspect all gear used during your trip, including fishing gear and anchor lines.
Clean
Clean any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.
- Discard materials in a trash can or at an invasive species disposal station; these stations have been installed at many boat launch sites for your convenience.
- Do not wash or release material into a waterbody.
- Some invasive species, such as zebra mussels, can be difficult to remove from a boat hull. They first need to be killed by water or steam that is 140°F, then they need to be removed by a brush or pressure washer. For help cleaning your boat and equipment, visit a decontamination station for a free boat wash.
- Dump unused bait in trash cans and bucket water on dry land above the high water line, not in the water.
Drain
Drain all water holding compartments including ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas.
- Drain your boat before you leave an access site.
- Waterskis or wakeboards sometimes have ballast tanks; be sure to drain them.
- Drain your live well if you have one.
Dry
Dry boats, trailers and all equipment before use in another waterbody. The most effective way to ensure that no invasive species or fish diseases are transported to a new body of water is to completely dry your boating and fishing equipment.
- Drying times vary significantly depending on the type of equipment, air temperature, and relative humidity.
- While the outside of a boat will dry relatively quickly, bilge, live wells, and other parts of a boat not reached by the sun or without good air circulation will take additional time to dry completely.
- A minimum of 5-7 days drying time in dry, warm conditions is recommended.
Disinfect
Disinfect anything that came into contact with water if it cannot be dried before reuse.
- Smaller items can be disinfected with hot water to kill aquatic invasive species and fish diseases. Soak all equipment in water that is at least 140°F for 30 seconds.
Visit Your Local Boat Steward
To help protect New York's waters, boat stewards are located at various boat launches throughout the state. Boat stewards are volunteers or paid members of your community who help protect New York State's waters. They assist visitors with a free boat inspection to look for invasive species and educate boaters on the importance of cleaning, draining, and drying watercrafts.
DEC has an interative map to find a boat steward or decontamination steward near you.
