DNR reminds boaters to take precautions against aquatic invaders

While many Minnesota lakes are still covered by a thick layer of ice, the open water fishing season is just around the corner and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is already gearing up for this year’s fight against zebra mussels, spiny waterfleas and other aquatic invasive species (AIS).

“Each year we take a new look at how to educate the public about the serious work of protecting our lakes and rivers,” said Ann Pierce, DNR invasive species unit supervisor.” There are more than 11,000 lakes in Minnesota and the majority of them are not infested with aquatic invasive species. We are collaborating with citizens and organizations around the state to help keep it that way.”

The program focuses heavily on training and education as two important ways help stop aquatic invaders. Boater surveys have shown boaters will take steps to prevent the spread of invasive species if they understand what to do.

The DNR urges all boaters to follow the law and make sure they are not moving invasive species from one lake to another. “Aquatic invaders cannot swim across the land, but if you give them a lift they can travel for miles,” said Jay Rendall, DNR invasive species prevention coordinator. “Boaters and anglers need to be accountable and take personal responsibility to prevent the further spread of invasive species. Our lakes and rivers are too important to take for granted.”

Because of the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign, and other educational efforts, most Minnesota boaters understand the steps they must take before and after visiting state waters. Reminders about AIS laws and necessary precautions are a valuable start to each fishing season for new anglers and those who visit the state for boating, fishing and hunting.

State law requires boaters to:

Clean: Remove visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and prohibited invasive species off watercraft, trailers, and equipment before leaving a water access or lakeshore property.

Drain: Remove the drain plug from boat, livewell, bilge, motor, ballast tank and other water-related equipment. Keep the drain plug out and water-draining devices open while transporting watercraft.

Drain portable bait containers before leaving a water access.

Dispose: Place unwanted bait, including minnows, leeches, worms and fish parts in the trash. It is illegal to release live bait into the water or to release worms on the ground.

Recommended actions for boaters
Some aquatic invasive species are small and difficult to see. For example, zebra mussels can be the size of a fingernail and their larvae are microscopic, making them difficult to find. To remove or kill all invasive species before transporting a watercraft to other waters, the DNR recommends one or more of the following actions:

Rinse boats, trailers and recreational equipment with very hot tap water.

Spray with high pressure.

Dry for five days or more.

Anglers can keep unused live bait when leaving an access if they refill the bait container with water brought from home.

These laws and recommendations are intended to help prevent the spread of invasive species such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas. These species are easily spread to new waters if citizens, businesses and visitors don’t take the necessary steps to contain them. Each person must take responsibility to help stop the spread of zebra mussels in lakes and streams and protect the state’s aquatic ecosystems. The DNR can’t do it alone.

For more information about AIS, visit www.mndnr.gov/ais.