State highlights need to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species

This weekend has been declared an Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Weekend, part of an effort to encourage boaters and others to take all steps necessary to prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced Friday.

DEEP said it is partnering with the Candlewood Lake Authority and Mystic Aquarium to promote the initiative.

DEEP staff will be at many boat launches throughout the state from approximately 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday to educate boaters about clean and safe boating practices and conducting aquatic invasive species inspections.

In a statement issued to officially designate the weekend, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy urged state residents and others boating in Connecticut waters to help prevent the spread of invasive species.

Raising awareness

“Public awareness and education are key tools to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by recreational boaters, anglers and other water users,” DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said.

“Invasive plants and animals tend to push out native species, typically with negative consequences to the ecosystem and can affect the aesthetics of local waters,” he said.

“Anyone that uses Connecticut’s waters for recreation can play an important role in ensuring that aquatic invasive species are not transferred from one water body to another,” he added.

Because of their ability to grow quickly and outcompete other species, many aquatic invasive plants form dense mats just under the water surface, which can be hazardous to recreational boaters and swimmers.

Zebra mussels, a problematic invader, have colonized several lakes and ponds in western Connecticut and need to be kept from spreading further, DEEP said.

Mystic Aquarium is continuing its partnership with DEEP at the aquarium’s boating safety display to inform patrons about the issues with aquatic invasive species in Connecticut and how everyone can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

DEEP staff will be on hand at the display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, DEEP recommends that boaters:

Clean: inspect and remove aquatic plants and animals as well as mud or other debris from the vessel, shoes and other equipment, including rods and reels, before leaving the water. Boaters are reminded that it is illegal to transport aquatic plants and animals on a boat or trailer.

Drain any water collected from that water body. For boats, this means the bilge and associated equipment, including buckets, coolers, live wells, etc.

Prior to the next use of a vessel in another water body, boaters should:

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

Or, wash the boat and equipment with hot, high-pressure water; use salt water solution for 24 hours prior to rinsing; use 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, freeze it for a future fishing trip or give it to another fisherman at the site.

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

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