When is the best time to clean your boat to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species?

Cleaning your boat before you leave the ramp area is the best approach to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. This timing allows you to remove any plants, mud, or small organisms from your vessel immediately after use. By doing this, you minimize the risk of transferring these species to other waterways when you leave the ramp area.

Addressing cleaning at other times, such as before leaving home or when getting back home, may not be as effective since any residual organisms could still hitch a ride on the boat to other locations. Conducting a thorough cleaning prior to launching at a different waterway may also be helpful, but it is crucial to tackle potential contaminants right after the boating experience while they are fresh and before you depart from the ramp area. This proactive measure contributes significantly to the prevention of spreading harmful species that could disrupt aquatic ecosystems.