Clean Drain and Dry are words that boaters are hearing at boat launches from New York to Texas. Another commonly seen sign declares, “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers,” but what does it all mean and why are these measures important? These need to be more than words, they need to be actions.

Invasive species are nothing new to the United States. They have been introduced inadvertently by people who have had honorable intentions and those who are unaware of invasive species on or in their watercraft. From seemingly innocent ornamental garden plants to aquarium specimens, non-native and invasive plants have found their way to our shores through a variety of routes. Species like the zebra mussel and round goby were unintentionally introduced through ballast water, while invasive aquatic plants like hydrilla were likely introduced through the aquarium trade and from there dumped into a waterway where they spread far and wide by watercraft. 

The pathways of introduction for many aquatic invasive species make the words clean, drain, and dry have meaning that goes beyond words and provokes action! Next time you take your watercraft out on the water be sure to take action and follow these simple steps to protect the waters you love. 

Clean: Clean whatever comes in contact with the water, this includes your boat and trailer as well as, life jackets, fishing line and tackle, boat fenders, anchor, and anchor lines. As soon as you pull your boat out of the water, take a walk around the trailer and remove any plant debris you can see.