STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS - Prevent the transport of nuisance species
Many species of aquatic hitchhikers can be transported on your boat, trailer, or fishing gear without you noticing. Once introduced to a lake or river these species can pose a major threat to BC’s freshwater environment.
To minimize the risk of accidental introduction of aquatic hitchhikers follow these simple procedures when leaving a body of water:
- Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.
- Eliminate water from equipment before transporting.
- Clean and dry anything that came in contact with a body if water, like boats, trailers, fishing equipment, clothing, and dogs prior to entering a new waterbody
- Never release plants, fish, or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water. Remember – the use of fin fish (dead or alive) as bait, with a few exceptions, is illegal in the province.
Examples of aquatic hitchhikers
Newest arrival: New Zealand mudsnails
Please prevent: whirling disease, Zebra mussels, spiny water fleas
Already here: Eurasian water milfoil, Didymo (rock snot)