Davenport, IOWA – According to the state officials, the aquatic invasive species, everything from zebra mussels to Eurasian watermilfoil, move from one waterbody to another by hitchhiking on boats, in bait buckets and on other equipment used in the water.
Officials also said that the aquatic invasive species often grow quickly and spread fast when brought to another lake or stream due to lack of natural controls.
Unfortunately, the aquatic invasive species can also create serious problems for Iowa waters by reducing native species and making lakes and rivers unusable for boaters, anglers and swimmers.
Boaters and anglers can unintentionally spread aquatic hitchhikers if they do not take the proper precautions each time they leave a lake or river.
Clean, Drain, Dry is a simple three step process that boaters should follow every time they move from one body of water to another.
- CLEAN any plants, animals, or mud from your boat and equipment before you leave a waterbody.
- DRAIN water from all equipment (motor, live well, bilge, transom well, bait bucket) before you leave a waterbody.
- DRY anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, equipment, boots, clothing, dogs). Before you move to another waterbody either: Spray your boat and trailer with hot or high-pressure water; or Dry your boat and equipment for at least five days.
- Never release plants, fish, or animals into a waterbody unless they came out of that waterbody and empty unwanted bait in the trash.
Dear Iowans, state officials said that it is illegal to possess or transport prohibited aquatic invasive species.
It is also illegal to transport any aquatic plants on water-related equipment in Iowa.