In what way can boaters help prevent the spread of AIS?

Boaters can significantly aid in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) by cleaning and drying their boats before leaving any waterway. This practice is essential because AIS can easily cling to boats, trailers, and equipment, often remaining undetected until they are introduced to a new environment.

Cleaning the boat involves removing any visible plant materials, mud, or debris, which may contain AIS. Drying the boat, particularly the parts that come into contact with water, helps to ensure that any remaining organisms do not survive during the transition to a new water body. This two-step process effectively reduces the likelihood of transporting AIS from one location to another, thus safeguarding ecosystems and preserving local aquatic biodiversity.

The other options do not support effective measures for preventing the spread of AIS. For instance, only using water from local sources does not address how AIS can cling to boats after being in contaminated waters. Transporting watercraft without inspection fails to ensure that any AIS present are detected and managed. Using chemicals to kill potential AIS introduces additional environmental concerns and might not be effective or legal for all situations, making cleaning and drying the most practical and responsible approach.