Boat Stewards to Conduct Boat Inspections and Educate
Recreating Public at Boat Launches Statewide
As this year's boating season
officially kicks off, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Commissioner Basil Seggos reminds water
recreationists to do their part in protecting New York's waters from
aquatic invasive species (AIS) by remembering to clean, drain, and dry
watercraft and equipment. Last year, boater traffic increased by nearly
20 percent at some launches and boat stewards counted more than 390,000
boats at launches across the state, a significant increase from the 276,515 watercraft counted in 2019. DEC anticipates
more boaters will hit the water this season and with them an increased
risk of introducing AIS to New York's waters. Taking proactive steps such
as cleaning off fishing tackle, removing aquatic vegetation from rudders,
disinfecting boat hulls and water compartments, and properly disposing of
bait, significantly reduces that risk.
"Aquatic invasive
species like zebra mussels, spiny waterflea,
hydrilla, and others can be easily transported from one waterbody to
another on boats, trailers, and fishing equipment," said Commissioner Seggos. "Protecting New
York's waters is a high priority for DEC. Our lakes and ponds are
invaluable in providing wildlife habitat, sustaining our state's fisheries and fishing industry, and offering
opportunities for recreation."
Over the last few years, DEC
has expanded its boat steward coverage through the Watercraft Inspection
Stewardship Program, reaching additional recreationists with the Clean,
Drain, Dry message. Boat stewards demonstrate how to conduct boat and
trailer inspections prior to launching into a new waterbody and provide
basic facts about AIS. In 2020, DEC's boat stewards talked with more than
30,000 boaters who were unfamiliar with the boat steward program. These
stewards also intercepted more than 19,000 AIS on boats and equipment,
including hydrilla, which was removed from boats headed into Lake
Champlain and Lake Ontario. Existing hydrilla infestations in Cayuga,
Erie, Tioga, Tompkins, and Westchester counties are currently costing New
Yorkers more than one million dollars a year in control and mitigation.
"Last fall we opened the
new boat launch at Otisco Lake. We are thrilled
that this will be one of more than 200 locations participating in the New
York State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program," said Matthew Marko, DEC Region 7
Director. "We ask that all recreationists
clean, drain, and dry their watercraft and equipment to help protect New
York's waters."
"The Finger Lakes
Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) is looking
forward to providing education and outreach at the new Otisco Lake launch and hopes to reach more new
boaters," said
Hilary Mosher, Coordinator, Finger Lakes PRISM.
To help protect New York's
lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, visit DEC's website for more
information on AIS and a step
by step guide for ridding boats and equipment of AIS.
Today, DEC also released a newly developed public service announcement
(PSA) to air across the state reminding boaters to clean, drain, and dry
their watercrafts in order to protect state
waters. The PSA is now available on DEC's YouTube page.
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