What should be done if a watercraft is deemed high-risk?

When a watercraft is classified as high-risk, it poses a greater likelihood of carrying invasive aquatic species that can harm local ecosystems. Consequently, it is essential to move forward with decontamination procedures to eliminate any potential risks associated with transporting these invasive species. Decontamination typically involves measures such as cleaning, draining, and drying the watercraft to ensure that any organisms are removed before the boat enters a new water body. This step is critical in preventing the introduction of invasive species into uninfested waters, thereby protecting the ecological balance.

The other options do not adequately address the risks involved with a high-risk watercraft. Allowing the boater to proceed without further inspection fails to mitigate potential ecological harm. Keeping it quarantined for 24 hours might not be sufficient to eliminate invasive species, and thoroughly inspecting only the exterior does not ensure that invasive species present inside the watercraft, including in the bilge or live wells, are adequately dealt with. Therefore, moving forward with decontamination procedures is the most effective way to protect water resources from invasive species.