STOP the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
CLEAN, INSPECT, DRAIN, AND DRY BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE WATER
Some aquatic invasive species can survive up to two weeks out of water and not every invader attached to your boat, bike or ATV can be seen with the naked eye.
If you are a boater, you have an important role to play in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
In Ontario, it's the law: you must clean, drain and dry your boat before moving it between lakes or rivers.
Aquatic invasive species spread easily through boats, trailers, and recreational gear. Whether you are boating, paddling, or fishing, following the Clean, Drain, and Dry process before leaving a water access point is one of the most effective ways to protect lakes and rivers.
1. Clean and Inspect
Before leaving the water access area, thoroughly inspect your watercraft, trailer, and all gear (ropes, anchors, fishing equipment, paddles, and footwear).
Remove Debris
Drain all standing water before leaving the access area.
Drying is critical, as many invasive species are microscopic and survive in damp conditions.
1. Clean and Inspect
Before leaving the water access area, thoroughly inspect your watercraft, trailer, and all gear (ropes, anchors, fishing equipment, paddles, and footwear).
Remove Debris
- Manually remove all visible plants, animals, and mud.
- Dispose of debris on dry land or in a trash bin, well away from water bodies and storm drains.
- Use a stiff brush and water to scrub the hull and any surface that contacted the water.
- Pay close attention to cracks, crevices, grainy surfaces, trailer pads, propellers, anchor lines, intake grates, and rudder or centerboard areas, where organisms—such as invasive mussels—can hide.
- When possible, rinse watercraft, trailers, and equipment using:
- High-pressure water (at least 1,000 psi), or
- Hot water:
- 60°C (140°F) for at least 10 seconds, or
- 50°C (122°F) for at least 2 minutes
These methods can kill many invasive organisms.
Drain all standing water before leaving the access area.
- Pull all drain plugs, including those for bilges, livewells, ballast tanks, and other compartments. Transporting a watercraft with plugs in place is illegal in many regions.
- Drain the motor by lowering it fully and tipping it side to side.
- Empty all containers, including bait buckets, coolers, life jackets, sponges, and bailers.
- Tilt or invert non-motorized craft such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to remove all water.
- When keeping live bait during transport, replace water with spring water or dechlorinated tap water before departure.
Drying is critical, as many invasive species are microscopic and survive in damp conditions.
- Air dry watercraft and equipment with all compartments open:
- About 5 days in hot, dry conditions
- 10–30 days in cool or damp conditions
- Towel dry or sponge all surfaces to speed up drying and reach hidden areas.
Important Caution
- Avoid public car washes if invasive species are present in the area, as wastewater can enter municipal drainage systems and spread contaminants.
- Motorboats: Flush the motor according to the owner’s manual.
- Jet boats & personal watercraft (PWCs): Clean the hull, trailer, intake grate, and steering nozzle. Run the engine for 5–10 seconds to blow out excess water and vegetation.
- Sailboats: Clean centerboards, bilge board wells, rudder posts, trailers, and related equipment.
- Paddlers: Clean non-motorized watercraft, paddles, ropes, anchors, floats, dip nets, and trailers.
- Anglers: Clean waders, footwear, fishing lines, ropes, anchors, bait traps, downrigger cables, and field gear. Scrub footwear thoroughly. Use non-felt-soled boots to further reduce risk.
Optional: Chemical Decontamination
If time is limited:
By consistently cleaning, inspecting, draining, and drying your equipment, you play a vital role in protecting local ecosystems from harmful invasive species. For detailed guidance on regional regulations and high-risk species, consult these resources:
- Use a bleach solution (20 mL household bleach per 1 L of water).
- Wash down surfaces and soak removable equipment for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dispose of unwanted bait, fish parts, and packing materials in the trash.
- Never dump bait, fish, or other organisms into water or onto land.
- Clean fish for consumption or taxidermy at designated fish-cleaning stations or place them on ice.
By consistently cleaning, inspecting, draining, and drying your equipment, you play a vital role in protecting local ecosystems from harmful invasive species. For detailed guidance on regional regulations and high-risk species, consult these resources:
The Ontario government publishes Invasive Species Action Plans for Anglers, Boaters, Cottagers, Gardeners and Hikers:
Ontario has rules to help stop the spread and protect our natural environment: Managing invasive species in Ontario
Clean Marine Program: Protecting Ontario's Waterways
