Additional Information on Boating in Ohio
Protect Ohio's Waterways

Preserving and protecting our water resources is a challenge for all. As boaters, your recreation is made richer when operating in clean water. By doing your part to keep our waterways clean and from spreading aquatic invasive species, you can ensure pleasurable boating experiences for the future.

Aquatic invasive species are a serious threat to Ohio’s waterways. Introducing harmful non-native organisms into a lake, river or bay can lead to environmental degradation and millions of dollars in control and clean-up costs, all of which affects boaters. As a general practice, following the checklist shown on the right after each use of your boat will prevent the spread of most aquatic invasive species.

Non-Native Invasive Species

Zebra mussels are about the size of a human fingernail. Yet these little creatures cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage across the United States and pose a serious threat to supplies, industrial processing, transportation and recreation.

Several other recent invaders of the Great Lakes also are cause for serious concern. Goby (pronounced “go-be”) populations are expanding and displacing native species. The goby is a bottom-dwelling fish known for being aggressive and voracious feeders. The spiny water flea and the fish-hook flea, nearly microscopic crustaceans, are gradually replacing their native counterparts. They have long spines that make it difficult for small fish to capture and digest them. These species disrupt the food chain and adversely affect native fish species.

Nonindigenous Aquatic Plants

Purple loosestrife, Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla and water hyacinth quickly establish themselves and can displace native plants. Environmental and economic problems caused by these weeds include impairment of water-based recreation, navigation and flood control; degradation of water quality and fish and wildlife habitat; and accelerated filling of lakes and reservoirs.

Eurasian Milfoil	Purple Loosestrife	Zebra Mussel

For more information, visit the website of Ohio Sea Grant.

Prevent Spreading Aquatic Nuisance Species

Finished boating and ready to head home? Here’s what you can do to prevent spreading aquatic nuisance species.

• Inspect your boat and trailer, removing any nuisance species (including zebra mussels and eurasian watermilfoil) you see before leaving the area.
• Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the area.
• Empty your bait bucket on land before leaving the area.
• Never release live bait into a body of water or release aquatic animals from one body of water into another.
• Rinse your boat, trailer, and equipment. It is best to use high-pressure, hot water. A garden hose will work if no other option is available.
• Air dry your boat and equipment for as long as possible. Five days is optimal.
• Flush the engine’s cooling system with hot water.
• Apply antifouling materials such as paint and films to boat hulls, trim tabs, water ports, transducers, and swimming platforms to discourage zebra mussel attachment.