What does the 'Clean, Drain, Dry' strategy entail?

The 'Clean, Drain, Dry' strategy is a key practice aimed at preventing the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). This approach emphasizes three critical actions that boaters should take to minimize the risk of introducing non-native species to water bodies.

When we talk about cleaning, this involves removing any mud, plants, or other debris from the boat and all associated equipment before leaving the body of water. Draining refers to ensuring that all water is removed from the boat, including from live wells, bilges, and any other areas where water may collect. Finally, drying is crucial, as many aquatic invasive species can survive in damp environments. Allowing the boat and equipment to dry completely can help eliminate any remaining organisms that were not removed through cleaning and draining.

This three-step process is vital for protecting the environment and conserving native ecosystems, which can be severely impacted by invasive species. The other options, while related to boat maintenance and inspection, do not fully encapsulate the comprehensive approach of 'Clean, Drain, Dry'.