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Aquatic Invasive Species…
- Are non-native plants, animals, and pathogens
- Live primarily in water
- Thrive in a new environment
- Cause economic loss, environmental damage, and harm to human health
Did you know...
Washington State spends $15 million annually to prevent and control invasive species throughout the state. Some species, like the zebra and quagga mussels, can cost billions of dollars in damages – impacting your water supply, infrastructure, as well as the environment.
Aquatic invasive species infestations result in a variety of economic and environmental impacts.
They can:
- Displace, foul and outcompete native species
- Disrupt entire food webs and decrease native biodiversity
- Bio-accumulate environmental contaminants and spread toxic algal blooms
- Attach and damage infrastructure, boats, and water conveyance structures
- Clog intake structures and impede the flow of water to municipal water supplies, irrigation operations, and power plants
- Cause long-term taste and odor problems in drinking water
Lake Whatcom hosts boaters from all over Washington and Canada. This extensive use of the Lake makes it very probable that aquatic invasive species from other locations will hitch a ride on an unsuspecting vessel and end up in our Lake.
You can help!
To prevent the spread of exotic aquatics, make it part of your regular boating routine to follow these important steps listed below.
Clean, drain, and dry your boat and recreational equipment before entering or leaving the lake to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Clean
- Remove ALL aquatic plants, animals, and mud
- Thoroughly wash everything
Drain
- Drain water from your boat, trailer, tackle and gear before leaving the area, including wells, bilge, and engine cooling water
Dry
- Allow a minimum of 5 days for your boat to dry before launching into other waters
- If you cannot perform these steps, have your boat professionally cleaned with high-pressure hot water (more than 140°F) before launching into other waters
Do NOT release pets, bait, aquatic plants, or aquarium water into the wild.
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