Beginning March 21, 2019, Michigan has made changes to its Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). The updates require users of both motorized and non-motorized watercraft to take additional steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Fishing regulations are also in place, including prohibiting releasing bait fish in any Michigan waters that the fish didn’t originate from.
Prior to transporting watercraft over land, boaters must: Remove all drain plugs from bilges, ballast tanks and livewells; drain all water from any livewells and bilges; and ensure the watercraft and trailer are free of aquatic organisms, including plants.
