Conservation is the #1 goal of the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program being co-managed by the Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Passed by the 2009 Oregon Legislature, this program funds the single largest invasive species prevention effort implemented within Oregon to date.  The program is funded by boaters to improve and implement outreach, education and enforcement efforts to boaters in the areas that are most threatened by aquatic invasive species.  
 
By preventing the spread of invasive species, we are protecting Oregon's waterways from the most significant environmental threat of our time.  Invaders out-compete native species and ultimately remove necessary nutrients from the water column that fish and other native organisms need to survive.  Think of all that's debated about restoring salmon. Imagine another roadblock to salmon survival and the cost this has on the restoration effort.  

 
Finished boating and ready to head out? Here's what you can do to prevent spreading aquatic nuisance species.  Here's a list of waterbodies with known aquatic invasive species in Oregon. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLEAN all aquatic plants, animals and mud from your boat, motor or trailer and discard in the trash.  Rinse, scrub or pressure wash, as appropriate away from storm drains, ditches or waterways.  Lawns, gravel pads, or self-serve car washes are best.
 
DRAIN your motor, live well, bilge and internal compartments on land before leaving the waterbody.  For paddle boats, drain by inverting or tilting the craft, opening compartments and removing seats if necessary.  Rinse or flush under flooring, at inflation chamber joints or other areas that can trap mud and debris.
 
DRY your boat between uses if possible.  Leave compartments open and sponge out standing water.  Find a place that will allow the anchor line to dry.
 
 
There are dozens of aquatic nuisance species that can harm Oregon's waterways. But there are three that are considered among the most threatening. Click the images below to find out what they are. Learn to recognize these organisms. If you find one or suspect there may be a new infestation, report it to the toll-free Oregon Invasive Species hotline, 1-866-INVADER.

 
 
 
  Left- the dreaded Quagga mussel and cousin to the zebra mussel.  These are very small and feel like a grain of sand when they first attach to a solid object.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                             
 
Zebra Mussel                                                     Mitten Crab 
 
 
 

   

 
Report it to the toll-free Oregon Invasive Species Hotline (1-866-INVADER) or contact one of the following agencies:

• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
  (503) 947-6000
• Oregon Department of Agriculture Weed Control Division
  (503) 986-4621

To learn more about invasive species of Oregon, visit:

• Stop The Invasion 

 
If the biologist in you wants to learn more about aquatic nuisance species, check out these links:

• Oregon Invasive Species Council 
• United States Geological Survey - Non-indigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) information resource 
• Oregon State University Sea Grant 
• Portland State University -Center for Lakes and