Water Sports and the Environment

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AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES

In simple terms, Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are aquatic organisms (i.e. hydrilla, sea lamprey, goby, milfoil, zebra mussel, snakehead fish) that have been introduced into new ecosystems (Great Lakes, San Francisco Bay, Florida, Hawaii) throughout the United States and the world. They are having harmful impacts on the natural resources in these ecosystems and the human use of these resources.

ANS multiply when moved to new ecosystems. Prevent the spread of ANS by following these basic rules:

• Before leaving a water system, check your boat and trailer and remove any plants or animals you see.
• Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on land.
• Do not release live bait or aquatic nuisance species from one water system into another.
• Thoroughly clean and dry the boat and trailer with a mild bleach solution. Mussel larvae must be killed.
• Let dry completely before the next use.