As summer season kicks off, boaters urged to help fight spread of invasive species

As the unofficial start of summer boating season begins this Memorial Day weekend, officials are reminding recreational watersport participants to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Launching a campaign urging "recreationists" to "Clean, Drain, Dry" their boats, trailers, fishing gear and other recreational equipment before launch or use in state waters, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said those measures can prevent the spread of invasive plants, animals and marine species.

The DEC said that statewide its boat stewards interacted with 430,000 recreational users, conducting more than 220,000 watercraft inspections and intercepting 8,717 aquatic invasive plants and animals last year — while raising awareness about the threat of aquatic invasive plants.

While upstate areas like the state canal system are especially vulnerable to the introduction of waterborne invasive species, officials said the issue also affects many Long Island recreational areas.

Aquatic invasive species like the water chestnut, a grasslike sedge native to Asia, tropical Africa and Oceania, can harm fragile ecosystems by "shading out native plants, decreasing dissolved oxygen and increasing sediment buildup." The water chestnut has caused issues in Long Island waters in the past, Newsday has reported. 

Invasive fish, among them the round goby, a bottom-dwelling species native to Central Eurasia, threaten the biodiversity by spreading disease as they prey on native fish eggs while "out-competing" native fish populations.

Authorities said species like the goby have already infiltrated non-native locations worldwide, among them the Baltic Sea, major Eurasian rivers and the Great Lakes — the latter, where they feed on mottled sculpin, common logperch, lake trout and other native freshwater fishes.

The DEC said it is expanding its watercraft inspection steward program, stationing boat stewards and new decontamination units provided by the New York State Canal Corp. at a state boat ramp in upstate Verona.

Water users are reminded to:

• Clean mud, plants and other waterborne species from fishing gear and all equipment, including trailer bunks, axles, rollers, lights, transducers and license plates, as well as motor props, waders, diving gear and anchors. All cleaning materials should be discarded in a trash receptacle or disposal station.
• Drain all water-hold compartments, including ballast tanks, live well and bilge areas before leaving an access site.
• Dry all used items thoroughly before using a boat, watercraft or equipment in another body of water.
• Disinfect boats and equipment with heated water of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit if that equipment can't be dried.
• Use only certified bait that is non-invasive and disease-free.
• Do not dump aquarium contents or unused bait in any body of water — including drains, ditches and sewers.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee'pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.