Aquatic invasive species crowd out native species, disrupt lake ecosystems, and interfere with boating, fishing, and other recreation.  Boaters can unknowingly transfer invasive species and fish diseases, such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), to new waters when they don’t clean boats, trailers, and other recreational equipment.  To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and protect Michigan’s aquatic resources, boaters, anglers, and others enjoying Michigan’s waters are required to:

• Remove aquatic plants from boats, boating equipment, and boat trailers before launching a boat.
• Drain live wells, bilges, and all water from boats before leaving a boating access site.
• Dispose of unused bait in the trash.  Do not release bait into the water.
• Never transfer fish to water bodies other than where they were caught.

For more information about aquatic invasive species in Michigan can visit: www.michigan.gov/InvasiveSpecies