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Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
Posted: June 30, 2009

As the Fourth of July approaches, the Iowa DNR is reminding boaters and anglers to take a minute and check for any unwanted hitchhikers and protect Iowa lakes and streams.

Zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil are two aquatic invasive species that have spread across Iowa by hitchhiking on boats, in bait buckets, and with other equipment used in the water. Bighead and silver carp are two other aquatic invasive species that have been spreading on their own throughout Iowa rivers. Last year's flooding helped these carp species swim around dams that otherwise blocked their movement.

A new state record 79 pound 4 ounce bighead carp was caught last week from the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids. Even though anglers enjoy catching these large fish, all aquatic invaders can create serious problems when they become established in our waters.

"Public action is the key to preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species," said Kim Bogenschutz, DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator. "Boaters and anglers can unintentionally transport aquatic hitchhikers if they do not take the proper precautions to prevent their spread - inspect, clean, drain."

• Inspect your boat, trailer, and equipment and clean them of any visible plants, animals, or mud before leaving a water body.
  
  
• Drain water from the live well, bilge, transom, motor, and bait buckets before leaving a water body.
  
  
• Clean and dry boats, trailers, and equipment. Before transporting to another water body either: Spray/wash your boat, trailer and equipment with high-pressure and/or hot water; or Dry your boat and equipment for at least 5 days.
  
  
• Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. Never release plants, fish, or animals into a water body unless they came out of that water body.

It is illegal to possess or transport prohibited aquatic invasive species in Iowa. The fine for violating this law is $500. Signs are posted at public accesses to remind boaters to stop aquatic hitchhikers and to identify infested waters. More information about aquatic invasive species and a list of infested waters can be found in the 2009 Iowa Fishing Regulations booklet.