During standing water decontamination, what should you do to the live wells and bilge?

The appropriate action during standing water decontamination is to drain the high-risk water and sterilize the live wells and bilge. This process is critical because standing water can harbor aquatic invasive species (AIS) that pose a risk to local ecosystems. By draining the high-risk water, you remove any potential invasive organisms present. Sterilizing these areas further ensures that any remaining pathogens or eggs are effectively eliminated, thereby preventing their spread into other water bodies.

In the context of managing aquatic environments, the focus is on decontamination procedures that minimize the risk of introducing invasive species. Filling live wells and bilges with sand or other materials does not effectively address the issue of waterborne invasive species and could obstruct the ability to inspect and clean these areas properly. Replacing them entirely would be impractical and unnecessary when effective cleaning and sterilization can achieve the desired outcome. Covering them with a tarp does not address the contamination issue and may even create a breeding ground for unwanted organisms. Therefore, draining and sterilizing is the most effective method to ensure compliance with AIS prevention protocols.