Aquatic Invasive Species – Boat Michigan

Boaters Combat Aquatic Invasive Species in Michigan Waters

CLEAN boats, trailers and equipment and remove all mud, debris and aquatic plant material from trailers and watercraft before launching or retrieving a watercraft. Use a hose or power washer when available.
DRAIN live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and all water from boats before leaving the access site. Consider disinfecting live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water) when possible. Fish diseases and microscopic life stages of aquatic invasive species can be hiding in seemingly clean water, so draining is an important step.
DRY all boats and equipment thoroughly before leaving an access area and prior to relaunching in a new waterbody.
DISPOSE of bait in the trash. Do not release bait into the water. Release of bait and minnows can lead to the unintended introduction of diseases and aquatic invasive species.
DO NOT TRANSFER FISH to water bodies other than where they were caught. This helps prevent the spread of both aquatic invasive species and fish diseases.

DO NOT launch or transport watercraft or trailers unless they are free of aquatic organisms, including plants.
DO NOT transport a watercraft without removing all drain plugs and draining all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells.
DO NOT release bait into the water.