4.1.2 AQUATIC NUISSANCE SPECIES

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are plants and animals that threaten the aquatic environment which is important to boaters. ANS are also called invasive species or non-native species.

Because ANS have no naturally occurring enemies that would keep them in check, these plants or animals can out compete and feed on native species. These species threaten the diversity or abundance of native species, the economic, agricultural and recreational activities that depend on our native species and water quality.

Of the species listed under the Endangered Species act, 42% are listed as a result of the deliberate or accidental introduction of non-native species into a new habitat.

Both plants and animals are spread in a variety of ways: through commercial shipping ballast water, introduction through aquarium water disposed of incorrectly, through plants and animals from landscaping/nurseries, introduction from hitchhiking on cargoes, and transported by recreational boaters.

The introduction of non-native species into Washington's waters is a problem which affects everyone. Introducing non-native species into Washington can upset the balance of the ecosystem, hurting the environment. When transported into new waters, these organisms proliferate, displacing native species, damage the water resource, damage the sports and commercial fisheries, damage Washington's large shellfish industry, pose a threat to industrial and public drinking water supplies, can weaken and damage banks and levees by burrowing into them, as well as prey on salmon and sturgeon eggs.

Always do a walk-around inspection after cleaning the prop area and bottom of the hull at the launch area before leaving with your boat. Where available, pressure washing the hull and motor parts exposed to the water is advised. Note that some species especially zebra mussels get into tight areas and may be over looked.

• Inspect your boat and remove aquatic plants or animals before you leave any body of water.
• Flush raw-water cooling systems and clean sea strainers before moving your boat from one body of water to another.
• Empty bait buckets and remove any plant fragments from bait wells, fishing gear, trailers, dive gear or props. Dispose of the plant fragments on land, in a garbage receptacle.
• Drain water from your motor, live wells and bilge.
f
• Wash your boat before putting it into a new body of water
• Report any new infestation of non-native aquatic species to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

TO STOP THE SPREAD OF AQUATIC SPECIES, IT IS BEST TO CLEAN YOUR BOAT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE BODY OF WATER.

4.1.2.1 INVASIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Invasive Plants Some plants that threaten marine and freshwater habitats in Washington include milfoil, purple loosestrife, hydrilla and spartina.

• For aquatic plants and weeds it only takes a small fragment of the plant to begin a new population. If a boater leaves an area with weeds on their boats those weeds could potentially carry a variety of other species, including whirling disease pathogens, snails, and egg clusters of other species. This is one of the many reasons why the state has made it illegal to have weeds on boats on any public road in Washington. For example, the Asian clam (corbicula) has been spread from one site on the Snake River into virtually every fresh water body in the state - it is everywhere, and in ever growing densities. It was unknowingly spread by boaters and anglers over the past 50 years or so.

Invasive Animals: Some animals that threaten marine and freshwater habitats in Washington include European green crab, Chinese mitten crab, Zebra mussels, New Zealand mud snails, sea squirts and Asian clams.

• The largest concerns for boaters in Washington in fresh water apart from aquatic weeds are New Zealand mud snails. The Lower Columbia River and all the water bodies on the Long Beach Peninsula are infested with the snails. These snails are so small and easily transported on gear and in live wells as well as bait wells that they are a huge problem. They are hermaphrodites so it only takes one. Persons who take their boats into infested areas need to clean them with very hot water (including bilges, bait and live wells) and let them dry out for several days. If it is during the wet season they should use a weak chlorine solution.
• There is still a very large concern about Zebra mussels. They have made it into Montana, so persons who travel out of state into the Missouri River, or down in the Oklahoma area (El Dorado Reservoir) or east of the 100th Meridian should take great care to clean their boats before putting them back into local waters.

4.1.2.2 INVASIVE SEA SQUIRTS

There are three species of invasive sea squirts present at various Marina's in Puget Sound and Hood Canal. This has become a real as well as a critical issue. One animal is a colonial tunicate called Didemnum; the other two are solitary tunicates that have taken over certain areas to the exclusion of other species.

• The Didemnum infestations are currently in British Columbia in the areas surrounding Okeover Inlet and Vancouver Island. The smallest piece of the colony (a half inch square or less) can reproduce and form a new colony.
• The second sea squirt is Styela clava, and has very heavy infestations at Pleasant Harbor, Neah Bay, and Blaine. It tends to get on docks, boats, aquaculture lines and cages. It is really nasty, and reproduces rapidly. Anyone who spends more than a day or two in those harbors needs to have their boats cleaned.
• The third species, Ciona saviginy, may be moved on boats - it is present at Eagle Harbor and Des Moines marinas. We are seeing it taking over geoduck beds on S. Hood Canal. We don't know as yet how much of the canal is infested, or how the tunicate got there.

4.1.2.3 EXTRA ATTENTION REQUIRED

Watch for information at launch sites about any known nuisance species currently found in the water body where you are boating for example spartina or milfoil. Before leaving the launch area, do a walk around inspection to see that all visible remnants of plant and animal materials are removed from your boat and trailer.

A general list of what is prohibited in Washington is to be found by visiting the following link for the Department of Fish and Wildlife:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing

4.2.2 WASHINGTON MSD REGULATIONS

The discharge of any sewage from marine toilets is prohibited on Washington's freshwater lakes, impoundments, and reservoirs that are not accessible by boat from the ocean.

The use of approved types of marine sanitation devices (MSDs) is required on the Columbia River and on the navigable portions of all coastal rivers. Discharge of untreated sewage is only permitted beyond the three nautical mile ocean limit.