There is hardly a single day that goes by that The Watercraft Journal’s Google Notifications – keyed to alert me to all things PWC – does not list at least one (and often multiple) mention of “Aquatic Invasive Species” or AIS, and the related dangers specifically posed by personal watercraft vessels – and how those in the PWC community can help stem the tide of the seeming invasion of more and more destructive non-native plants, animals, algae, and microorganisms introduced into ecosystems outside their natural range, posing a threat to the environment, economy, society, and human health.
According to a multitude of official sources, invasive aquatics cause negative environmental, economic and social outcomes by outcompeting native species, disrupting ecosystems, altering natural ecological processes, increase the costs associated with control and management of the species, damaging fishing and tourism industries, and posing a risk to human health through reduction in water quality.
While not all states are at risk for the same type of AIS, Zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails or aquatic vegetation such as curly pondweed are most often mentioned, and most recently, alerts have been rolling in about warnings of “whirling disease” – a condition affecting trout and salmon caused by an invasive, microscopic parasite known as Myxobolus cerebralis. The parasite attacks the cartilage tissue of a fish’s head and spine.
According to the National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC) – an arm of the US Department of Agriculture – nearly every state in the country has adopted regulations addressing aquatic invasive species (AIS), with many implementing mandatory watercraft inspections and mandated deconatimination processes for all watercraft, including jet skis.
A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Public Service Announcement from 2012 shows that AIS concerns are nothing new, but research shows that the concerns have become more high-profile in recent years – as have the regulations and restriction – with some public bodies of water even closing to boat use of any type to reduce the risk of AIS transfer.
As noted in this quick video tutorial from the Royal Yachting Association specifically addressing ways Personal Watercraft owners can avoid transfer of AIS, the process is fairly simple and straightforward.
The Clean, Drain, Dry protocol, in short, involves washing plants and animals from your PWC, draining any water from the PWC, and allowing it to dry completely before introducing it to another body of water.
More detailed instructions are provided by the National Park Service:
Clean: Remove all visible plants, animals, and mud from your boat, trailer, and other equipment.
Drain: Ensure your boat is completely drained, including emptying the bilge, live wells, and ballast tanks.
Dry: Allow your boat and equipment to completely dry, preferably in full sun, for at least five days, or longer in moist coastal areas.
It is also recommended that the drain plug must always remain out during transport.
Consider Decontamination: For known or suspected infested waters, many states recommend or require following a more rigorous decontamination for boats, footwear, gear and trailers, such as those recommended by states such as New York and Washington.
Drying method: Once gear is fully dry, allow it to remain dry for an additional 48 hours before using again.
Hot water: Hard non-porous surfaces, such as trailers, engines, and shovels, require 15 seconds of constant exposure to hot water (minimum 140 degrees) by soaking or using a hot-water pressure washer. Porous materials and gear with multiple folds or cavities — such as boots, waders, or nets –require at least 5 minutes of constant exposure to water heated to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. (This method is not recommended for gear made of Gore-tex.)
Freeze: Freeze your gear for at least 8 hours at 14 degrees Fahrenheit, or for at least 24 hours at 15-32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chemical method: Chemical treatments should not be done near a waterbody. Soak gear in undiluted antibacterial Formula 409 for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly in a contained area. Rinse water must be disposed of down a sewage drain, not a storm drain.
While it may seem overkill, not only does complying with the regulations and recommendations of each state where you operate a PWC help alleviate the risk posed by AISs, but it helps eliminate your risk of stiff penalties for noncompliance, with many states having laws on the books similar to Washington Sate’s:
Penalties for introducing aquatic invasive species
It is against the law (RCW 77.135.040) to possess, transport or traffic prohibited invasive species or to release non-native species into state waters through intentional or unintentional means. This includes animals and plants hitchhiking on boats or field gear; aquarium or terrarium pets or plants; animals or plants used in research or education; unused live fishing bait; or live seafood purchased from a store.
It is illegal to transport aquatic invasive species from one waterbody to another in the state of Washington. Violators face a maximum penalty of one year in jail and $5,000 in fines.
Under Washington state regulations (WAC 220-640-120), prohibited species may be immediately killed and retained only if the person is certain about species identification and assumes responsibility for correct identification and adherence to state rules and fishing regulations.
