What should you do if an AIS inspection reveals your boat is infested?

When an AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) inspection reveals that your boat is infested, the appropriate and responsible action is to follow the decontamination instructions provided by inspectors. This ensures that the invasive species do not spread to other water bodies, which can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems.

Decontamination instructions may include procedures such as cleaning the boat with high-pressure water, draining all compartments, and possibly using specific chemicals for effective removal of the invasive species. These actions are critical not only for protecting the environment but also for complying with legal requirements regarding the management of invasive species.

Leaving the boat in the water or transferring it to a different water body could result in the infestation spreading further, while ignoring the findings poses a significant risk to local aquatic ecosystems and goes against best practices in responsible boating and resource management. Following the inspectors' guidance helps to mitigate these risks and promotes the health of aquatic environments.