When is it necessary to perform a decontamination?

Performing a decontamination is essential when mussels or suspected Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are present because these organisms can cause significant ecological damage and economic harm. Decontamination methods are employed to ensure that these species do not spread to other water bodies, which could lead to infestations in areas where they were previously absent. This process may involve cleaning, drying, or applying high-pressure water methods to remove and kill any potential invasive species.

The other options do not trigger the need for decontamination. For instance, the absence of vegetation, warm water temperatures, or the condition of the boat being empty are not indicators of an existing risk for AIS. Decontamination is specifically warranted when there is credible evidence or a reasonable suspicion of invasive organisms, highlighting the importance of actively managing and preventing their spread.