WDFW Mandantory Boat Inspections

[Marc Martyn]

This was just released by the WDFW:

September 18, 2009
Contacts: Sgt. Eric Anderson, (360) 902-2426
Allen Pleus, (360) 902-2724

Boat inspections planned on I-5
to stop aquatic invasive species

OLYMPIA - As part of an ongoing effort to keep aquatic invasive species out of Washington waters, all northbound vehicles transporting watercraft past the Ridgefield weigh station on Interstate 5 will be required to stop for an inspection Friday, Sept. 25.

The mandatory inspections, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the latest in a series of more than two-dozen check stations for aquatic invasive species planned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) around the state this year.

Sgt. Eric Anderson, WDFW enforcement coordinator for the program, said signs will be posted notifying motorists of the inspection at the weigh station at Milepost 18, a key entry point for out-of-state boaters.

The inspections can usually be completed in 10 minutes, Anderson said. But failure to stop for an inspection can result in a citation.

"We need the cooperation of boat owners to keep aquatic invasive species out of Washington waters," said Allen Pleus, unit lead for WDFW's Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Enforcement program. "Once species like zebra and quagga mussels become established, they can be extremely destructive to native fish and wildlife while also causing millions of dollars in damage to public water systems."

Invasive mussels, which attach themselves to boats or other water-based equipment, have spread quickly in recent years, Pleus said. Since the 1980s, when zebra and quagga mussels entered the Great Lakes in ship ballast water, they have established themselves in more than 20 states, including California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.

Neither species has yet been found in Washington waters, although WDFW has intercepted and decontaminated 17 boats infested with the tiny mussels in the past three years, Anderson said.

Importation of aquatic invasive species is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to a year in jail. Knowingly bringing such species into Washington is a felony and can result in even greater fines and jail time.

The emphasis of the check-station inspection program is to intercept invasive species, not penalize boat owners, Anderson said.

"Our primary goal is stop these species from entering our state," he said. "At the same time, we need boat owners to recognize the importance of inspecting and cleaning their vessels before moving them from one body of water to another."

Because invasive mussels multiply quickly, they can threaten native fish and wildlife by consuming available food and smothering some species, Pleus said. They can also clog water-intake systems at power plants, irrigation districts, public water suppliers and other facilities, causing millions of dollars in damage.

Pleus noted that mandatory check stations are just one way WDFW is working to keep invasive species out of Washington's waters. He said the department also works closely with the Washington State Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard and public agencies in Oregon and Idaho to detect and eradicate the tiny invaders on both recreational and commercial vessels.

More information on aquatic invasive species is available on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/ans/index.htm .

[Lotech Joe]

When I went fishing up the St. Joe a couple of weeks ago, I took I-90 to Coeur d' Alene then south on 95. At the truck scales on I-90, they had a mandatory boat inspection station in operation. I also noticed that Cabela's had a spray down station in operation as a service to their customers. It's too bad that invasive species have cropped up in our fisheries, but it's nice to know that at least some action is taking place. All be it too late in many cases. It's a pain I know, but it helps to protect our water ways.

[leahcim_dahc]

Didn't know where the Ridgefield weigh station was, so I did a quick look on google maps...is the weigh station the same place as Ridgefield, Wa....near the Washington/Oregon border?

Seems kinda silly to have the checkpoint there instead of somewhere closer like say Port of Tacoma, Port of Seattle or really anywhere further north along the I-5 corridor. I would make sense to me if the problem of Zebra Mussels was coming out of Oregon...but apparently, there is open ocean water between here and there.

At the risk of sounding like a retard, I wonder if the same applies for 'toons...I would hate to look like a window licker pulling in next to real boats, but at the same time, would also hate for the WDFW and WSP to take out my 'toon with a set of spike strips...

As a side note, there have been a couple of lakes I visit once in a while with warnings posted about Eurasion Milfoil...I have no idea what it takes to clean out a lake of that stuff once it's established.

[hewesfisher]

Didn't know where the Ridgefield weigh station was, so I did a quick look on google maps...is the weigh station the same place as Ridgefield, Wa....near the Washington/Oregon border?

Seems kinda silly to have the checkpoint there instead of somewhere closer like say Port of Tacoma, Port of Seattle or really anywhere further north along the I-5 corridor. I would make sense to me if the problem of Zebra Mussels was coming out of Oregon...but apparently, there is open ocean water between here and there.

At the risk of sounding like a retard, I wonder if the same applies for 'toons...I would hate to look like a window licker pulling in next to real boats, but at the same time, would also hate for the WDFW and WSP to take out my 'toon with a set of spike strips...

As a side note, there have been a couple of lakes I visit once in a while with warnings posted about Eurasion Milfoil...I have no idea what it takes to clean out a lake of that stuff once it's established.

The concern is primarily for the boats moored in larger freshwater lakes where these invasive species have established themselves and attach to the vessels. Generally speaking, it's not a problem if you trailer your boat, but it's still important to do our part in preventing these critters from finding their way into Washington waters. That's the reason for stopping boats at ports of entry near the border. I doubt 'toons would have to be cleaned, but if you feel like doing your part.

[leahcim_dahc]

Importation of aquatic invasive species is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to a year in jail. Knowingly bringing such species into Washington is a felony and can result in even greater fines and jail time.

That's the part that worries me...like I said, a couple lakes I have been on here lately have Eurasian Milfoil which is listed under the invasive species list. There are also signs at those lakes with regards to inspections, cleaning (before leaving that lake), etc., etc.. I do clean the milfoil guts off before I leave...but how many just shove their pontoon or little 10' jonboat into the bed of their truck without a second thought.

Probably wouldn't worry too many people, but if anyone uses their 'toon like I use mine...they get alot of crap on them. I've had it in places where I get milfoil wrapped around my transport wheel, the depthfinder sonar, the oars, anchor, even the transom saver sometimes.

Maybe I'm just too messy... :-)

[Amx]

Check out the pictures of a boat that was seized. NASTY Zebra infection on the CRAPY outdrive. The guy musta been 'nuts' hauling that boat and not cleaning it and probably not knowing anything, or not not caring.

BOAT SEIZED WITH ZEBRA MUSCLES ON IT IN WASHINGTON STATE

http://www.wabass.org/new.htm

picture is too big to post here.

[hewesfisher]

Check out the pictures of a boat that was seized. NASTY Zebra infection on the CRAPY outdrive. The guy musta been 'nuts' hauling that boat and not cleaning it and probably not knowing anything, or not not caring.

BOAT SEIZED WITH ZEBRA MUSCLES ON IT IN WASHINGTON STATE

http://www.wabass.org/new.htm

picture is too big to post here.

Yep, and that "growth" doesn't happen on boats that are unloaded/loaded for a day's worth of fishing, that stuff comes from months of being in the water, and from the pictures, not even run.

Chad, I feel the pain buddy, but cleaning the milfoil off whatever you use is what we need to do to stop the spread. We can only do so much ourselves, and if you see someone loading a milfoil infested boat on their trailer or in the back of their pickup, a friendly reminder might educate them to the hazards milfoil creates for our fisheries and water quality. If they don't accept the reminder, note the license plate and make a phone call after they leave. The visit from law enforcement will get their attention and/or hit them in their pocket book!

[Marc Martyn]

New Zealand is so serious about plants and organism being brought into their country, they have created a Biosecurity Department in there government. Their main fear is an algae called Didymo getting into their rivers.
In preparation of landing in Auckland NZ, Quantas attendants were handing out customs forms and Biosecuity declaration forms. If you are bringing any waders, wading shoes or nets into the country, you have to declare them and turn them over to the cleaning station in the airport. They sanitize your gear and give it back to you in a few minutes. I checked my gear through and they thanked me and were very respectful and polite. If you attempt to sneak past this process and they catch you, your equipment is taken permanently and you are arrested. They are very serious about invasive life forms entering their waters.

More on Didymo:

http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests-di ... ts/didymo/