Clean, Drain and Dry Boat Cleaning Procedures

6 

You can prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels by using this checklist every time you take your boat out of a freshwater lake, river or stream:

  • Inspect all watercraft and equipment.
  • Clean any visible mud, plants, fish or animals from watercraft and equipment.
  • Drain all water, including from lower outboard unit, ballast, live-well, buckets, and anything else that contains water.
  • Dry everything for at least five days or with a towel before reuse.
  • Dispose of debris and unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash.
  • Report any mussels or suspect invasive species you find to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife hotline at (866) 440-9530 or email: Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov and to the local marina manager or harbormaster.

CLEANING GUIDE BOOK:

Fight Quagga and Zebra Book



California’s Quagga/Zebra Mussel Task Force developed a boat cleaning guide book for use by recreational boaters. The information contains general guidelines for all boaters and a basic checklist for inspecting and cleaning boats and recreational equipment for quagga/zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species. There are also additional inspection and cleaning checklists for specific types of boats and equipment.