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

Cleaning your boat before you leave the ramp area is the best practice to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. This step is crucial because it ensures that any invasive species that may have attached to your vessel or equipment at the launch site are removed before the boat is transported to another waterway.

This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of unintentionally introducing these species into new environments, which can have devastating effects on local ecosystems. By taking the initiative to clean your boat right after use, you also help to maintain water quality and preserve biodiversity in your area.

Cleaning after a storm or only when the boat appears dirty may not effectively tackle the immediate risk of spreading invasive species after use. Similarly, cleaning during the off-season could be too late, as it does not prevent the introduction of aquatic nuisance species into other waterways during the boating season. Thus, cleaning before leaving the ramp is the critical timeframe for effective prevention.