Get Hooked on Clean Boating
Help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species by undertaking these easy clean boating practices
Boating enthusiasts and fishermen play a significant role in the introduction of aquatic invasive species in Michigan. Take responsibility for preventing their spread by ensuring you clean, drain, dry, and dispose of any potential contaminants every time you exit the water.
Inspection points on boats, trailers, and vehicles for aquatic invasive species decontamination.
Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
-
Clean your boats, trailers, and equipment thoroughly, removing mud, debris, and aquatic plants before launching or retrieving a watercraft. If possible, use a hose or power washer.
-
Drain all water from live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and boats before leaving the access site. Consider disinfecting live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water) when you can. It's essential to remove fish diseases and microscopic invasive species, even if the water looks clean.
-
Dry your boats and equipment completely before leaving an access area or before launching in a different waterbody.
-
Dispose of bait in the trash, never release it into the water. Releasing bait and minnows can accidentally introduce diseases and invasive species.
-
Avoid transferring fish to water bodies other than where they were caught. This prevents the spread of fish diseases and invasive species.
Invasive species you can prevent with clean boating practices:
-
Quagga mussels
-
Eurasian Water Milfoil
-
Purple Loosestrife
-
Round Goby
-
Eurasian Ruffe
-
Rusty Crayfish
-
Spiny Water Flea
-
Fishhook Water Flea
-
Sea Lamprey