Non-Native Invasive Species

Non-native aquatic plants and animals species are invading California’s coastal and inland waters clogging up channels impacting recreation and displacing native species. California native species must compete for habitat, often are prey to invaders and can be infected with foreign diseases. Once non-native species are introduced, they are nearly impossible to eliminate. These species can be accidentally transported by recreational boaters when caught in propellers, intakes or attached to hulls. Unused live bait dumped into the water can also introduce invasive species.

WHAT CAN BOATERS DO TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES?

• Drain livewells, bilge water, and transom wells before leaving the vicinity of where you have used your boat.
• After leaving the water, inspect your boat and boat accessories, and dispose of any plants or animals you find by placing them in the garbage bin.
• Empty bait buckets on land, never into the water.
• Never dip your bait or minnow bucket into a lake if it contains water from another lake.
• Never dump live fish or other organisms from one body of water into another one.
• When you get home, wash your boat, tackle, downriggers, and trailer with hot water.
• Flush water through your boat motor’s cooling system and other parts of the boat that normally get wet. If possible, let everything dry for five days in the hot sun before using your boat in another body of water.

Download some best management practices for boats kept on fresh and saltwater.

Check some of these suggested resources to learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species