New handbook will help fight invasive aquatic species

New York Sea Grant Extension and the Cornell University Cooperative Extension Invasive Species Program have published a New York State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Handbook. The 81-page, illustrated guide is the standardized model for starting new watercraft inspection programs and includes a Watercraft Inspection Steward Training and Field Guide section.

“This new steward program development handbook is an important tool for use in fighting the running battle with aquatic invasive species,” said Chuck O’Neill, New York State Invasive Species Clearinghouse Director and Cornell University Extension Invasive Species Program Coordinator, in a release from the extension.

O’Neill defines aquatic invasive species, also called AIS, as non-native fish, plants, and microorganisms that are likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health in the area where they are introduced.

The goal of watercraft inspection is to prevent and slow the spread of AIS. Watercraft inspection stewards, also known as boat, lake, and watershed stewards, play a critical role in AIS management.

“The introduction of new populations of invaders is changing the ecology of lakes across New York State. By teaching boat owners the impacts of AIS and how to inspect their vessels, trailers and gear and to remove and properly dispose of aquatic hitchhikers, the stewards provide one of the first lines of defense against the damage of aquatic invasive species,” O’Neill said.

The Clean, Drain, Dry watercraft inspection processes detailed in the new handbook are in keeping with the national Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!TM campaign led by Wildlife Forever, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, with support from the National Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and partners nationwide.

Stewards with two of the newest steward programs in NY: the New York State Parks Boat Stewards and Conesus Lake Stewards field tested the Watercraft Inspection Steward Training and Field Guide section of the handbook in 2014. Conesus Lake, due south of Rochester, is one of the smaller Finger Lakes.

The New York State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Handbook is available online at www.nyseagrant.org/articles/r/2515 and www.nyis.info.

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