The Oregon State Marine Board has been working to educate recreational boaters about the threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS) since the early 2000’s. Back then, AIS went by a different name…”Aquatic NUISANCE Species. In today’s world, “invasive” is the apt term, especially aquatic mussels.
In 2009, the Oregon Legislature approved the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program, with voluntary inspection stations along the state’s borders, along with permit requirements for all boats 10′ and longer. By 2012, inspections became mandatory for all boats entering the state.
As the spread of invasive mussels continued to encroach in neighboring states, the Oregon Legislature passed the program’s most recent law, which now includes all boats of all lengths to help pay for expanding boat inspection stations across the state. It’s the first line of defense. If inspectors find aquatic plants or other AIS, the boat is decontaminated immediately. The boat owner is also interviewed and educated about Clean – Drain – Dry practices (second line of defense) after leaving a waterbody to ensure any hitchhikers don’t survive.
