It's the Law: Control Aquatic Pests

Stop the Spread of Aquatic Pests!

First discovered in the Great Lakes in the 1980s, zebra mussels and quagga mussels have spread to waters in more than 25 states by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers. Millions of dollars are spent annually to control and monitor these invasive species, which clog water pipes, foul boat motors, and kill native plants and wildlife by removing their food supplies. Although zebra mussels and quagga mussels have not been found in New Mexico, the mussels are in all bordering states except Texas. Once they contaminate open waters, they are impossible to remove.

The New Mexico Aquatic Invasive Species Control Act gives officers with the Department of Game and Fish and the New Mexico State Parks Division authority to inspect vessels, trailers, or other equipment suspected of being contaminated with invasive species. The Act also requires that all vessels and equipment used in waters infested with invasive species be certified as decontaminated before entering New Mexico waters.

To prevent invasive species from spreading to New Mexico:

• Inspect your vessel and trailer. Remove visible mud, plants, fish, or other debris before leaving the area..
• Drain all water from your boat and equipment before leaving the area.
• Rinse and air-dry everything that came in contact with water, including boats, trailers, live wells, bait buckets, equipment, clothing, waders, dogs, etc.
• Never release plants, fish, or other animals from one body of water into another.