There are several ways seawater comes on-board your boat, and with that comes the risk of unknowingly transporting invasive marine pests.
You may not be able to see them: for example, larvae of many invasive marine species will be in the water after a spawning.
The types of on-board water can include:
- salt-water engine cooling
- ballast water
- live bait tanks
- sea chests
- bilge water
- anchor wells.
Here's what to do:
- Treat all on-board systems between trips by flushing them with freshwater or an approved treatment.
- Pump out and mop bilges before you move to another marine area.
- As much as possible, discharge seawater into the same marine area it came from while you are on a trip. Failing that, discharge it on land that does not drain to the sea.
