Published June 30, 2021
Boating season is well underway in BC. This long weekend, be sure to Clean, Drain and Dry your boat, kayak, paddleboard and gear to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Aquatic invasive species are non-native species, including plants and animals that harm the environment, economy and society. They can damage the places we love, like beaches and recreational areas, and greatly impact tourism, hydroelectric facilities, and native ecosystems. There are approximately 133 different aquatic invasive species in BC, many of which continue to spread causing serious damage.
Invasive species such as Zebra mussels attach to boats and trailers and can be moved long distances over land while attached, as well as in ballast water. If Zebra and Quagga mussels were introduced into BC waters, it would cost about $43 million per year in damages to infrastructure, hydropower facilities, water extraction activities and recreational boaters, besides having significant impacts on native fish stocks.
Clean Drain Dry encourages all British Columbians using waterways, including lakes, rivers, oceans and streams to clean, drain and dry all boats and equipment to help reduce the spread of invasive plants and organisms.
- Clean off all plants, animals and mud from boat and gear
- Drain all water from boat, gear and equipment onto land
- Dry all parts of the boat and gear completely before launching into a new body of water.
To learn more about Clean Drain Dry and preventing the spread of invasive species, visit cleandraindry.ca.
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