6.4 Preventing the spreading of aquatic invasive species

Follow these tips to prevent the spreading of harmful watercraft-borne marine life.

Figure 1. ABYC T-32 aquatic invasive species label

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has classified certain species of marine life as harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS). These species are plants, animals and microbes which can attach themselves to your boat or to your trailer, or which can find their way to the water systems or water deposits on your boat.

• Take necessary precaution when moving between different bodies of water to prevent the spreading of the AIS.
• Take necessary purification measures for your boat to eradicate the AIS.

  The purification measures include (but not limited to) physical cleaning, draining and drying, as well as decontamination of the surfaces and water systems or water deposits on your boat.

  • To clean the boat, inspect and remove all aquatic plants, animals, mud and debris from the boat, engine, trailer, anchor and any watersports equipment. Rinse, scrub or wash, as appropriate, impurities away from the hull openings and seacocks. Use hot water, when possible. Flush the engine according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
  • To drain the boat, completely drain all the water from the boat and its compartments, including but not limited to bilge, wells, lockers, ballast tanks and engines.
  • To prevent the spreading of the AIS after purification of the boat, allow the boat dry completely before visiting any other bodies of water.
• Contact your Saxdor dealer for more information about the prevention of the AIS.