Spread Prevention

Learn how to minimize and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into Massachusetts waterbodies.

Non-native species are plants or animals that are native to other parts of the country or world, and when they are introduced to a new area often disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. Many non-native species are considered invasive due to their ability to reproduce rapidly and effectively. This rapid reproduction displaces native species and often causes mats of plant material to develop at the water’s surface that render boating, fishing, swimming and other recreational activities impossible or dangerous. Once introduced to a new area, they are further spread around to additional waterbodies on boat motors, trailers, fishing gear and in bait buckets. Even one small plant fragment is capable of infesting an entire lake or pond. Once an invasive species is established it is very expensive to control and nearly impossible to eradicate. Prevention is the key!

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Law

Beyond prevention, it is illegal in Massachusetts to introduce nuisance species to the state’s waterbodies, whether intentionally or unintentionally. All visible plant or organism material needs to be removed from your boat, trailer, and/or any recreational equipment before you leave a waterbody. Further, your equipment needs to be decontaminated before using it again anywhere. Additional decontamination information is provided in the Clean, Drain, Dry! section on this page. If you are found to be transporting plant or organism material, there are applicable penalties under the law.

You can report any violations to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075 or to your local harbormaster.

The law protecting lakes and ponds from aquatic nuisances is available to read on the General Court’s website.

DCR oversees the regulations of the Aquatic Nuisance Control Program, and can provide Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Handout Cards and/or Boat Ramp Signsupon request. Please email [e-mail] to submit a request with the quantity you are interested in.

Similar to transporting aquatic plants or organisms on recreational equipment, it is just as harmful to the environment to introduce aquatic plants or organisms by dumping an unwanted pet aquarium tank into a nearby waterbody. Though you may think you are setting a fish or other pet “free,” they do not belong in the wild as Massachusetts is likely not their native environment. This means that the pet will or cannot survive in that environment, or they could have negative impacts on the environment and other aquatic life there. Further, if the aquarium tank contains aquatic plants as habitat for a pet, those plants are also likely not native to Massachusetts and could be invasive and spread exponentially.  Ultimately, the dumping of aquatic pets and other species into local waterbodies can have irreversible consequences for the waterbody’s ecosystem.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Invasive Species Action Network provides great resources on promoting responsible pet ownership through Don’t Let It Loose.

Clean, Drain, Dry!

Clean, drain and dry are the primary steps to appropriately decontaminate any equipment that has come into contact with lake or pond water during use. Following these three easy steps allows you to do your part in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Option 1: Clean, drain, dry.

• All visible plants, mud, or other debris should be removed. All drain plugs should be pulled with any standing water allowed to fully drain. The watercraft and equipment should then be allowed to fully dry for the following times:
  • 1 week during July and August
  • 2 weeks during June and September
  • 4 weeks before and after those months.
  • Dry times should be longer if the weather has been unseasonably or wet.
• Please note that vessels that have been exposed to freezing temperatures for the winter are considered to be decontaminated.

Option 2: Clean, drain, decontaminate.

• After cleaning and draining, use an approved decontamination method or combination of the below methods on all vessel and equipment parts in contact with water and carpeted trailer bunks.
• Steam or scalding hot water wash (>140 degrees F)
  • To achieve this temperature at the surface being cleaned, the water temperature must be as close to 140 degrees F as possible at the nozzle.
  • Caution should be taken as this temperature may cause scalding to exposed skin.
  • Keep contact for 10 seconds or more.
  • High pressure spray is the best to clean the outside surfaces of vessels and low pressure should be used to flush live wells, bilges, ballast, and engines.
  • Run the water through the vessel’s cooling system for at least 10 seconds at 140 degrees F. Use “ears” for outboards, or garden hose for personal watercraft and inboards as you would normally for winterization or running while out of water.
• Other decontaminating solutions

Disinfectant	Concentration	Contact Time
Chlorine or bleach solution	1 oz. per gallon of water	10 minutes
Lysol	1% solution	10 minutes
Vinegar	As sold – 100%	20 minutes
Freezing	<32 degrees F	24 hours

Please note that all decontamination procedures should be implemented away from waterbodies and storm drains that drain into water ways.

More information and resources can be found on the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers website.

Boat Ramp Monitor Program

Please visit our boat ramp monitor program webpage to learn more about what boat ramp monitors do, what to expect when meeting one, and guidelines for having your own boat ramp monitor program.

Boat Wash Station Guidance

Please visit our boat wash station guidance webpage to learn more about the purpose of boat wash stations, and how to design and install one at your own waterbody.