Prevention for Boaters
Boats, boat trailers, motors, other boating equipment that comes in contact with water can transport AIS from one waterbody to another. Microscopic AIS, such as zebra mussel veligers or didymo cells, may be lurking in live wells or bilges, waiting to be discarded into a new area. Plants tangled around boat motors and trailers can be released into new environments, transforming valuable fishing and boating areas into mangled mats of weeds. Some species may even harm boats and equipment, jam steering equipment, and ruin boat engines. Follow these guidelines to protect Pennsylvania waterways: • Check for and remove plants, mud, and aquatic life from boat and equipment before transporting. • Drain water from boat, live well, bilge, and bait bucket thoroughly before transporting. • Clean boat and gear with hot water* and/or • Dry everything for at least five days. * Use the highest temperature water possible; 140° F is ideal for killing AIS.