How can boaters help prevent the introduction of AIS?

Volunteering for AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) monitoring programs and helping with education plays a crucial role in preventing the introduction of AIS. When boaters take part in these programs, they become actively involved in promoting awareness about invasive species, their impacts, and how to prevent their spread. Educating fellow boaters and the community enhances the collective understanding of the importance of maintaining ecosystems and the measures required to protect them. Additionally, monitoring programs enable early detection of invasives, which is essential for managing and mitigating their spread.

In contrast, ignoring inspection stations fails to address the critical need for inspection, which is designed to identify and remove potential invasive species before boats enter new waters. Fishing more frequently does not inherently contribute to AIS prevention; rather, it could inadvertently lead to the spread of invasives if the proper precautions are not taken. Lastly, while chemical treatments might seem like a potential solution for cleaning boats, they can be harmful and often are not effective for preventing AIS introduction, particularly if not used according to environmental regulations. Hence, engaging in education and monitoring is the most proactive and community-oriented strategy for boaters to help in combating AIS.