How to Clean Your Equipment Properly

Here are a few precautions that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Coast Guard recommend to protect your favorite fishing and boating spots from an unwanted invasion. It is important to follow these procedures every time you come into contact with any body of water. Even if you think the waterway is pristine, there may be an invasive species that has not yet been discovered. There are hundreds of different harmful species ranging from plants, fish, amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks, diseases or pathogens. Some organisms are so small, you may not even realize they are hitching a ride with you.

• Remove any visible plant matter, animals, mud, and dirt from your boat, trailer, boots, waders, decoys, and all equipment that was exposed to the water. Even plant fragments and dirt may contain tiny hitchhikers.
• Empty water from motors, jet drives, live wells, boat hulls, canoes and kayaks, scuba tanks and regulators, boots, waders, bait buckets, etc. Please do this before you leave. If you wait until you get home to empty water, it is likely to run down the gutter into a storm drain, which could contaminate local waters.
• Clean your equipment, including your boat’s engine cooling system, live wells, and bilge with hot tap water (at least 104° F). If hot water is not available, spray equipment such as boats, motors, trailers, anchors, decoys, floats, and nets with high-pressure water.
• Make sure that your boat and other equipment is allowed to dry for at least 5 days before using it in other waters.
• For equipment that cannot be exposed to hot water, either dip it in vinegar for 20 minutes or in a 1-percent saltwater solution for 24 hours. This table provides correct mixtures for the 1-percent saltwater solution:

• If your dog gets into the water, wash it with warm tap water as soon as possible, brushing its coat thoroughly.
• Do not release unused bait into the waters you are fishing. Dump any unused bait into a trashcan. Be aware of any bait regulations, and do not use live bait in waters where it is prohibited.
• If you need to get rid of your aquarium fish or aquatic pets, do not release them into or near a body of water or a storm drain. If you cannot find another home for them, bury them. Dump the aquarium water in the toilet or in your yard, far away from any storm drains.

You can find out more about aquatic invasives and how to prevent their spread by visiting the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Web site at www.protectyourwaters.net. Even if you don’t own a boat, you can help protect the waters of your state by contacting your state and federal legislators and asking them to support Great Lakes restoration. New legislation is needed to put in place a long-term restoration strategy for the lakes and to prevent the further spread of invasive species. Visit the Healing Our Waters Coalition at www.restorethelakes.org to find out how you can help ensure that your waterways are protected from the threat of aquatic invasives.

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