Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers

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Boaters reminded to help stop aquatic hitchhikers

With the onset of the 2009 boating and fishing season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking boaters and anglers to keep up their good work in minimizing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

By taking a few simple steps when leaving a lake or river, boaters and anglers can do their part to help stop the spread in Minnesota waters of several aquatic hitchhikers, such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels.

The key steps are to clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment:

Clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other aquatic animals from boats and trailers before leaving the water access.
Drain water from bilges, live wells, and bait containers before leaving the water access.
Dry boats and equipment for five days, or spray with high pressure and hot water before transporting to another lake or river.
Boaters leaving lakes and rivers that the DNR has listed as infested waters need to be especially careful. Anglers who have live bait and want to keep it for another time should drain any infested water from the bait container and replace it with tap or spring water. Signs are posted at public access points to identify infested waters.

The list of infested waters is available online.

Boaters should also remember to dispose of unwanted live bait including worms and minnows in the trash rather than dump them in the lakes and woods.

“Actions to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species should now be part of the routine for boaters,” according to Jay Rendall, DNR invasive species prevention coordinator. “These simple steps help boaters comply with state laws that prohibit the transport of aquatic plants, zebra mussels and water from infested waters.”

“The recent discovery of zebra mussels in Prior Lake and the expanding population in Lake Mille Lacs are new potential sources of spread,” said Luke Skinner, DNR invasive species unit supervisor. “The potential to spread aquatic invasive species increases each year. We need Minnesotans to continue with their high level of action.”

Last year, DNR biologists found 12 additional waters infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, bringing the total number of infested water bodies in the state to 215.

Inland waters known to be infested with zebra mussels include Lake Ossawinnamakee and Rice Lake near Brainerd; Lake Mille Lacs; Prior Lake; Charlie, Pleasant, Sucker, Vadnais in Ramsey County; and Lake Zumbro north of Rochester. The Mississippi River from its confluence with the Pine River down to the Iowa border is also on the infested waters list.

Spiny waterfleas are in most of the waters along the Canadian border, from Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River east to Lake Superior.

The DNR continues to conduct the “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!” campaign statewide to remind boaters and anglers to take precautions. People will likely see the icon and messages in a variety of places this year, including billboards, newspapers and on outdoor banners. Signs at public accesses, reminders from DNR watercraft inspectors, radio and television ads, and public service announcements will also be used to reach boaters this summer.

More information about aquatic invasive species and a list of infested waters can be found in the 2009 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet.