When is the best time to clean your boat to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species?

Cleaning your boat when you get back home is crucial for preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species. After a day on the water, your boat may have picked up organisms like invasive plants, mussels, or other aquatic nuisances that can hitch a ride back to your local waterways. By thoroughly cleaning everything—especially the hull, trailer, and any equipment that was in the water—before you transport your boat to another body of water, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of inadvertently introducing these species to new areas.

This practice is also essential for compliance with regulations aimed at protecting local ecosystems, as many states, including California, have laws requiring boaters to clean and inspect their vessels to prevent the spread of invasive species. Although other times, like before launching or after a storm, may seem like opportunities to clean your boat, it is crucial to perform this maintenance after returning home to ensure that any potential contaminants do not reach other waterways.