Boaters can help turn away unwanted hitchhikers. Here’s how:

Aquatic plants are removed from a watercraft before leaving the launch site (via NYSDEC).

Invasive plants and animals can wreak havoc on waterways, from making a shoreline less able to withstand flooding to harming fish.

Boaters can help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species by cleaning plants and mud off their boats; then they should drain and dry out before moving to a new body of water.

Cathy McGlynn of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, says it’s important for large and small boats.

She says  “Kayaks and canoes can access back country areas via portage trails, and they would pose a threat to the pristine lakes, ponds, and rivers in those areas.”

So remember – clean, drain, and dry to protect our waters.

Get Schooled:

• Download out A New York Boaters Guide to Cleaning, Drying and Disinfecting Boating Equipment from NY DEC
• Check out The New York State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Handbook.
• Read more about The ANS – a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Coast Guard sponsored awareness program for protecting waterways from aquatic hitchhikers.

Hear More:

Hear Cathy McGlynn discuss the potential impact hitchhiking invasive species can have.

Watch more:

Watch an instructional video on the proper way to clean your boat to prevent aquatic hitchhikers (via New York Sea Grant):

The fine print:

• This segment was produced with Cornell’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, and supported by agreement with New York Sea Grant, funds provided by the Environmental Protection Fund under the authority of the New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Act. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this broadcast are those of the originators and do not necessarily reflect the views of Stony Brook University or New York Sea Grant.