Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are non-native organisms whose introduction into new aquatic environments often results in significant ecological and economic harm, sometimes even posing risks to human health. Such species can outcompete native organisms for resources, disrupt food webs, and alter habitats. Preventing their spread is important for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Steps for Watercraft and Equipment
Recreational watercraft and associated equipment often transport aquatic nuisance species. Organisms, including microscopic larvae and plant fragments, can attach to boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other items, then be carried to new water bodies. The “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocol provides a systematic approach to prevent these transfers.
The “Clean” step involves thoroughly removing all visible mud, plants, and animals from boats, trailers, and recreational equipment before leaving a water body. Inspect propellers, anchors, ropes, and fishing waders. Scrubbing or pressure washing effectively dislodges attached organisms and debris. Ensuring this cleaning occurs on dry land, away from storm drains or ditches, prevents the removed material from re-entering waterways.
Next, “Drain” requires emptying all water from watercraft and equipment. Remove drain plugs from bilges, livewells, ballast tanks, and engine compartments. Microscopic invasive species, such as the larval stages of zebra mussels, and other pathogens can persist in small amounts of standing water. Many jurisdictions mandate drain plug removal during transport to prevent accidental water release.
Finally, “Dry” means allowing all equipment to thoroughly air-dry before use in another body of water. Drying times vary, but at least five days are generally recommended to kill remaining microscopic organisms through desiccation. If a five-day drying period is not feasible, rinsing with very hot water (over 120°F or 140°F for specific durations) or towel-drying can help eliminate persistent species. This approach reduces the chance of transporting aquatic hitchhikers.
Preventing Unintended Releases
Beyond watercraft, other common pathways spread aquatic nuisance species, often through seemingly harmless actions.
Improper disposal of live bait is a concern. Anglers should never release unused bait (minnows, leeches, worms) into any water body, as these can introduce non-native species or diseases. Instead, dispose of all leftover bait in the trash, away from aquatic environments.
The aquarium and pet trade also present a pathway for invasive species when unwanted organisms are released into natural waterways. Species like goldfish, red-eared slider turtles, and aquatic plants sold for aquariums can thrive and become invasive, outcompeting native species and disrupting ecosystems. Releasing pets into the wild is often illegal and can lead to ecological consequences, as they may lack natural predators and introduce diseases. Responsible alternatives include rehoming pets, donating them to educational institutions, or seeking humane euthanasia through a veterinarian.
Water gardens can inadvertently contribute to invasive plant spread if not managed carefully. Many popular aquatic plants (e.g., hydrilla, water hyacinth) are highly invasive and can escape into natural environments through flooding or improper disposal. To prevent this, gardeners should select native or non-invasive plant species and ensure their water gardens are not near natural waterways. Trimmings and unwanted plant material should be frozen in sealed plastic bags and disposed of in the trash, not composted or released into natural systems, as plant fragments can easily regrow.
Vigilance and Reporting
Individual vigilance aids early detection and rapid response to new or suspected aquatic nuisance species infestations. Recognizing unusual plants, fish, or invertebrates not typically found locally is an important first step. Early detection is important for invasive species management, allowing quicker containment or eradication before populations become established.
If a suspected aquatic nuisance species is observed, report the sighting to the appropriate authorities. This often involves contacting state natural resource agencies, local conservation groups, or using online reporting tools. When reporting, provide clear photographs of the organism and precise location information (ideally with GPS coordinates) to assist identification and response efforts. Accurate and timely reporting enables authorities to assess the threat and implement containment strategies, helping protect aquatic ecosystems from further damage.