In preparation for the Fourth of July weekend, state and local partners are reminding Michigan boaters that some simple steps can help protect Michigan waters from harmful invasive species. June 28 – July 4 is Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, where volunteers and partner organizations will host over 31 outreach events at boat launches across Michigan as part of the 13th annual AIS Landing Blitz, helping to share information with boaters about invasive species prevention and state boating regulations.
“Preventing the spread of invasive species in our waterways is as simple as cleaning, draining and drying boats, trailers and gear between uses,” says Kevin Walters, aquatic biologist with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “AIS Awareness Week serves as an important reminder that every boater and angler can play a role in protecting Michigan’s waters for future generations.”
As a reminder, Michigan law requires boaters to:
- Remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting.
- Remove drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells before transporting a watercraft.
- Dispose of unused bait in the trash rather than releasing it into the water.
To further help in preventing the spread of invasive species, boaters can remove plants, mud and debris from boats, trailers and equipment before leaving an access site, wash boats and trailers before launching into another body of water, allow boats and equipment to dry for at least five days between uses in different bodies of water, and disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution. Residents and visitors can also help identify and document aquatic invasive species during the AIS Detection Blitz by using the free iNaturalist app to photograph suspected invasive species — such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil or other unfamiliar aquatic organisms — and submit observations to the MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz project.
For more information about Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, the AIS Landing Blitz or ways to prevent the spread of invasive species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
