It is Aquatic Invasive Awareness Week. The purpose is to raise awareness of this important issue that is vital to the health of the Great Lakes and the entire ecosystem.
Non-native plants and animals can seriously harm the delicate natural balance in our lakes and rivers. There are things that boaters and anglers can do to make sure to protect the resource that we depend on in the Blue Water Area.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the law states that boaters must remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting. They must also remove all drain plugs and drain all water before transporting a watercraft. Anglers should remember to dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.
While not the law, EGLE recommends that boaters clean boats, trailers, and equipment by removing plants, debris, and mud before leaving the access area. Boaters should wash boats and trailers before leaving the access area, if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home.
They should also dry boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body, and disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
