Inspecting Watercraft

Inspecting Watercraft

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
We have done a few recent stories both ag related and fishing and hunting related on the importance of keeping aquatic invasive species out of Idaho's waters. You see signs as you enter the state asking to pull into an inspection station if you have watercraft with you. I asked Idaho Department of Agriculture's Nic Zurfluh what was involved with the inspection and, if your boat is fouled, what action was taken. "the hot wash these folks are performing at the inspection stations in Idaho and throughout the Pacific Northwest, we use a hot water pressure washer and the temperature of the water is about 140° with no chemicals. That is very effective at killing quagga and zebra mussels. Then we just ask the boat owner to drive the boat out thoroughly before they launch in the next water body to make sure that if anything was missed it will be dead and nonviable. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes and that's all."

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