Boaters reminded to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species

This weekend Connecticut will mark its second Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Weekend today and Sunday, part of an effort to encourage boaters and others to take steps to prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is partnering with the Candlewood Lake Authority and the Connecticut Federation of Lakes to promote the event.

DEEP staff will be at many boat launches throughout the state over the weekend, including those at Lattins Cove and Squantz Cove on Candlewood Lake, as well as Lake Zoar, Lake Lillinonah, Highland Lake and Coventry Lake. DEEP staff will be at

the launches from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, educating boaters about clean and safe boating practices and conducting aquatic invasive species inspections.

In a news release Friday, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy called aquatic invasive species “a serious threat to Connecticut’s waters as their presence reduces recreational opportunities, decreases real estate values and alters the natural ecosystem of waterbodies.”

Everyone who enjoys the waters of the state should become knowledgeable and take action against the threats posed by aquatic invasive species, Malloy said.

Because of their ability to grow quickly and outcompete other species, many aquatic invasive plants form dense mats just under the water’s surface, which can be hazardous to recreational boaters and swimmers, DEEP said. Zebra mussels, a problematic invader, have colonized in several lakes and ponds in western Connecticut and need to be kept from spreading further.

Before leaving the water, DEEP recommends that boaters:

clean their vessels by inspecting and removing aquatic plants and animals as well as mud or other debris from their vessels, equipment (including rods/reels), shoes and other surfaces. Boaters are reminded that it is illegal to transport aquatic plants and animals on their boats or trailers.

drain any water collected from that water body. For boats this means the bilge and associated equipment such as buckets, coolers and live wells.

Before their next use of a boat, trailer or other equipment in another water body, people should:

dry their vessel or trailer for a minimum of one week in hot, dry weather or four weeks in cool, wet weather.

wash boats and equipment with hot, high-pressure water; salt water solution for 24 hours prior to rinsing; 100 percent vinegar for 20 minutes prior to rinsing; or wash with bleach or soap and water.

Fishermen are reminded not to return live bait into the water, including salt water, unless it was caught there. Instead, it should be frozen for a future fishing trip or given to another fisherman at the site.

For information about aquatic invasive species, visit www. ct.gov/deep/invasivespecies.

To get a voluntary inspection on your vessel, visit a state boat launch or contact Gwendolynn Flynn at gwendolynn.flynn@ct.gov.