Boat Stewards to Conduct
Boat Inspections and Educate Recreating Public at Boat Launches Statewide
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend
More than 14,000
Detections of Aquatic Invasive Species Intercepted by Stewards in 2021
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos
today reminded everyone to clean, drain, and dry boats and trailers, and
disinfect fishing gear before recreating in New York's waters to prevent
the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Starting Friday, May 27,
watercraft inspection stewards, AKA boat stewards, will be stationed at
more than 225 boat launches throughout the state to educate and assist
the public in cleaning their equipment. Identified by their blue vests,
boat stewards can provide a refresher on how to inspect boats and gear
and offer information about AIS in New York.
"New York's abundant
lakes, ponds, and streams are vital to the state's ecology and economy,
which is why DEC and our partners are helping
protect against the impacts of aquatic invasive species," said Commissioner Seggos. "Recreating
responsibly in New York waters is a critical component for preventing the
spread of invasive pests and our dedicated boat stewards will be working
hard to protect New York's waters for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
I'm asking New Yorkers to follow their useful instructions to help
prevent aquatic invaders."
Boat stewards are volunteers or paid members of
the community who help protect New York State's waters. Since 2008, the
number of watercraft inspection steward programs is steadily increasing.
Last year, DEC stewards provided courtesy inspections for more than
240,000 boaters and intercepted over 14,000 AIS, including zebra mussels,
Eurasian watermilfoil, and curly leaf pondweed, which could have
potentially established new populations as equipment was moved from
waterbody to waterbody.
To view a video of
Commissioner Seggos with Adirondack Watershed
Institute boat stewards performing watercraft inspection and
decontamination services at DEC's Port Henry boat launch site,
visit DEC's YouTube page.
In addition, boaters and
anglers should follow these steps to make sure equipment is not harboring
invasive species:
·
Clean mud, plants, fish, or animals from
boating and fishing equipment (trailer bunks, axles, rollers, lights,
transducers, license plates, motor props, tackle, waders, etc.) and
discard the material in trash cans, at a disposal station, or well away
from the waterbody, so it won't get washed in during a storm.
·
Drain water-holding compartments,
including ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas, before leaving an
access site.
·
Dry everything thoroughly before using
boats or equipment in another waterbody. Drying times can vary but a
minimum of five to seven days in dry, warm conditions is recommended.
·
·
When there's no time to dry between uses,
disinfect things with hot water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit,
or visit a decontamination site.
Attention
Adirondack Park Boaters
Beginning June 8, 2022, under
a new state law, if a DEC inspection station adjacent to a public
waterbody in the Adirondack Park is open for operation, boaters must have
either a self-issuing certification or decontamination certificate from a
DEC inspection station before launching into the waterbody. More information on
Adirondack boater requirements will soon be posted at
DEC's website.
All New York residents and
visitors have a role to play in protecting state waters from invasive
species. Visit DEC's website for more
tips on how to clean, drain, and dry watercraft, fishing gear, and other
equipment and for more information about New York's watercraft inspection steward
program.
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