| Boaters can stop invasive species |
|
|
|
 |
| Simple steps |
|
Simple steps help boaters stop invasive species
You're out to have some fun - hit the water and do a little fishing, or perhaps some wakeboarding or maybe just a little paddling around. Before you launch your boat, make sure you're not going to launch an invasive species infestation, too.
Invasive species are a serious threat to Oregon's waterways. Not only can they damage healthy ecosystems and injure fish and wildlife, they can cost taxpayers millions of dollars in control efforts. In waterbodies infested by non-native, invasive weeds, waterskiing and fishing can become difficult or impossible. Complete removal of the infestation is extremely costly and difficult if it's even possible. The effects are generally permanent.
Fortunately, preventing an infestation is really quite easy, but it does take a few minutes. Before launching, visually inspect the outside of your boat hull, out drive, trailer or other equipment for any signs of aquatic vegetation.
- Check especially carefully in places that have remained damp. Physically remove any weeds, shellfish or other species. If possible, use hot water under high pressure to ensure that all bits and pieces of vegetation are completely removed. For many species, it only takes a small fragment to establish a new population. If you have boated in waters infested with zebra mussels or quagga mussels, check all water intakes, exaust ports and any other nook or cranny for signs of shellfish.
- Run your fingers over the hull where the tiny mussel larvae may attach. They will feel like sand or pepper attached to the hull. A 5% solution of chlorine will help kill the shellfish.
- After checking the exterior, make sure there is no standing water or mud inside the boat, livewell, bilge or other compartments.
- Again, wash thoroughly and let it air dry.
- Leave the live well door open and make sure the bilge is dry, too.
- Do all washing away from any waterbodies or drains that lead to waterways.
|
|
|
| Boated in waters out of state |
|
If you have boated in any waters east of the Mississippi River, or along the Colorado River and its reservoirs such as Lake Mead, or any waters of Nevada and Arizona, be especially vigilent about cleaning your boat. It only takes one quagga or zebra mussel to lead to an infestation that can damage fish, wildlife and recreational opportunities in an entire basin and beyond.
|
|
|
| Bait can be invasive |
|
Live bait can be as damaging as any invasive species. Diamond Lake, a popular and highly productive trout fishery, was decimated by the illegal introduction of bait fish. It has cost more than $6 million to restore the lake with more than 10 years of lost fishing opportunity. Never release live fish from one waterway into another.
|
|
|
|
