Officials from the Washington Invasive Species Council are reminding boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats to avoid the spread of invasive species.
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, microorganisms and pathogens that can out-compte or devour Washington’s native wildlife, damage the environment, human health and business. Some of the worst kinds are aquatic.
According to the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office, researchers estimate just invasive zebra and quagga mussels cost utilities more than $3 billion, and communities and businesses more than $5 billion more than six years nationally.
Those and other invasives travel easily by hitching a ride on car tires, boat hulls and motors, or hikers’ boots, by wind sea and other ways still.
It’s illegal to transport aquatic invasive species. Violators could get up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
To be sure you’re following the law, officials recommend cleaning your boating equipment as soon as it leaves the water, remove all mud, algae and animals.
Drain whatever accumulated water from the watercraft, including live wells and transom wells, before leaving the waterway.
At home let all of the gear and boat fully dry before using it again.
If using a watercraft out of state, call the aquatic invasive species hotline 888-WDFW-AIS managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Be ready to give the state, waterway where visiting and whether you cleaned your watercraft before returning to Washington.
In some cases the state will require a free intensive decontamination when you return to Washington.
If you suspect you have or recently saw an invasive species report it to the Washington Invasive Species Council using the online form or the WA Invasives smartphone app, at www.invasivespecies.wa.gov/report.shtml.
