Preventing the Spread

The first defense against aquatic invasive species is prevention. Here are some things you can do as a boat owner to to help prevent the spread of invasive species:
  • Clean and treat your boat.
  • Never release live bait, aquarium fish or plants into the water or dispose of into a main sewer.
  • Clean shellfish in the water where they were collected.
  • Learn to identify invasive species in your area and report any sightings.
If you do find suspected AIS, mark the site (e.g. with a buoy, GPS co-ordinates, map reference, etc.) to identify the area and call one of the numbers below to report the sighting and for further instructions.


If you find suspected AIS, mark the site (e.g. with a buoy, GPS coordinates, map reference, etc.) to identify the area and call the appropriate numbers to report the sighting and for further instructions.


Early detection and rapid control are critical to saving a body of water. Once nuisance species become widely dispersed, particularly invasive weeds and zebra mussels, eradicating them becomes difficult and almost impossible.

Therefore, the more individuals we have looking for signs of AIS the better. If nuisance species are discovered early, management programs can begin immediately to reduce environmental damage and economic costs.