Boating is a way of life for most people. Decontamination is a way to preserve life in the open seas. Every boater should know how important decontamination is. Invasive species may latch on the bottom of the boat that may cross another body of water causing an imbalance on the marine life. These species can be a plant, fungus or animal that has a tendency to cause damage to the environment, health and even in the economy.
It is the sole responsibility of
the boaters to decontaminate their boating equipment properly. Doing it right
protects the open waters from the devastating effect of invasive species. Safe
from their usual predators and disease of their natural habitat these species
can cause a devastating effect on other bodies of water. They can reproduce in
uncontrollably and can cause problems like:
• significantly decreasing game fish and
other native marine life
• break boat engines and may jam steering
gear, causing accidents
• increase drinking water operating cost
• can cause diseases
• makes rivers and lakes unsafe for boaters
and swimmers
The best way to prevent these
things is to stop it from spreading to another body of water. Cleaning is an
understatement for it. Decontamination is the only proper way to stop these
species invading other areas. With the proper equipment and right products, it
is as simple as clean, drain, and dry.
Even if the waters look clear and
unpolluted, invasive species may hide under the surface of your boat. They can
be as big as mussels and as tiny as a microbe. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and U.S. Coast Guard recommend the following steps in decontaminating
boats. It is very important to do these procedures every time boats come into
contact with any body of water.
CLEAN
• Once docked, remove any visible plants,
animals, mud, and dirt from the boat. Check the trailers, boots, fishing
tackle, and other equipment that may have come in contact with the water. Tiny
invasive species may hitchhike from the dirt and other plant fragments.
• Thoroughly clean boating and fishing
equipment including the boat’s cooling system, bilge using hot tap water. If
hot is not available then spray the trailers, boats, floats, and anchors with a
high-pressure spray.
• In some cases, equipment cannot be exposed
to hot water or high-pressure spray. Dipping in in vinegar for at least 20
minutes may do the trick. Another option is to immerse it with a once-percent
salt water solution for 24 hours.
• For pets that cannot resist the water, wash
them properly using tap water as soon as possible. They may hide unwanted
creatures under their coats.
DRAIN
• Do not dump unused bait into the waters even if it was bought from a store near the dock or caught in local waters. They may already be contaminated with other things. Dump it properly into a trash can.
DRY
• It is crucial for the boat and other
equipment to dry for a minimum of 5 days before using them again in open waters.
These are excellent tips for any avid boat enthusiasts. If you're looking for the ideal gift for the boater in your life Carved Lake Art has a large selection of custom made like this Cape Coral 3D Nautical Wood Chart.
These are excellent tips for any avid boat enthusiasts. If you're looking for the ideal gift for the boater in your life Carved Lake Art has a large selection of custom made like this Cape Coral 3D Nautical Wood Chart.
