Education works: Boaters who know the ‘Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!’ rules are doing their part to stop AIS
Millions of dollars are spent each year on programs that encourage recreational boaters to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and hydrilla. But do these programs, like the national Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! and Clean Drain Dry brands, actually work?
Recently published research from a University of Wisconsin–Madison team shows — for the first time — that yes, they do.
“Before now, we only assumed these messages work,” said Tim Campbell, Wisconsin Sea Grant’s aquatic invasive species outreach specialist and coauthor of the study. “This research shows, for sure, that Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! and Clean Drain Dry outreach help keep our lakes and rivers free of invasive species.”
Tim Campbell points to a common sight at boat launches: a Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! sign informing people about AIS. Photo by Tim Campbell / ASC
Campbell and coauthors Todd Newman and Bret Shaw of the UW–Madison Department of Life Sciences Communication worked with a national social science research firm to survey boaters about their actions related to invasive species prevention and their awareness of two invasive species prevention messages and brands, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! and Clean Drain Dry. The study found that boaters who were more aware of the brands reported that they removed plants from boats and drained water from live wells more often than people who were unaware of the programs.
Outreach materials from both brands are ready to use and available to anyone, often for free or at a nominal cost.
“What I like about this research is that it supports that there are some easy and effective things anyone can do, like using Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! and Clean Drain Dry,” said Campbell. He added that, while important, brand awareness is one of many factors that determine if and when boaters take action to prevent the spread of invasive species.
“These brands and messages are the foundation of our outreach and prevention tools,” said Campbell. “People that are already using these approaches can then layer additional prevention approaches like inspectors and cleaning stations to further protect our lakes and rivers from invasive species.”
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The University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center administers Wisconsin Sea Grant, the Wisconsin Water Resources Institute, and Water@UW–Madison. The center supports multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach for the protection and sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources. Wisconsin Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of marine resources through research, education, outreach, and technology transfer.
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tropical plant, there was hope that the cold Wisconsin winter would eliminate any plants that were potentially missed by the removal efforts. However, in September 2016, more water hyacinth plants were located in the same area of Lake Winneconne in residential channels and the Wolf River channel. 
interested in learning more.
Winnebago. Since then, the 
annual Landing Blitz campaign runs June 26th – July 6th, 2024. Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) boat inspectors and educators will meet boaters at lake and river launches to remind them that by taking simple prevention steps, we all play a vital role stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) like zebra mussels.
unable to care for their pet may think that releasing the animal is the right thing to do, however, releasing a pet is harmful for the animal and the environment.
strategy. Simply put, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But if only it were just that simple. The variables and situations that can impact a waterbody may seem so limitless that it can be daunting to know where to start. As a lake resident, you might consider questions such as:
transporting and spreading AIS without proper decontamination. While everyone is required to “inspect, remove, and drain” per Wisconsin State Statutes NR40, these steps might not always be 100% effective especially for high-risk users such as service providers who are often working on multiple lakes in a single day and interacting with lake water and sediment in ways that recreational users are not. These kinds of service providers need to follow the same prevention steps that we all do, but they are not required to take the extended steps, such as spraying equipment with a bleach solution, making it all the more important for consumers to advocate for their lake.
“Sea Grant’s success and impact continues to rely on the power of collaboration,” said Jonathan Pennock, director of the National Sea Grant College Program. “This special issue showcases and celebrates the breadth of Sea Grant’s work.”
been laid in the sediment of the lake. Following analysis of the samples collected, we are please to report that no evidence of spiny waterflea were found which includes not finding any eggs!
boat launches! Get involved today!
which topics they are interested in monitoring. The information gathered by volunteers is even used by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and university biologists and researchers, UW-Extension, and other interested individuals in projects that work to improve your lake! Help keep track of changes in your lake while being near your favorite Winnebago lake! This opportunity is easy to do from both the shoreline as well as your boat!
provide responsible alternatives and a judgement-free environment for pet owners who can no longer care for their exotic animals.
collaborative effort ensures that these animals are given proper care and attention.
With 29 events planned for the year there are ample opportunities for pet owners to seek assistance in rehoming their animals.
while still leaving options open for herbicide treatment, if needed. Other management options include manual and mechanical removal as well as simply monitoring, since non-native plants can often co-exist with other native plants in a lake without taking over and becoming a nuisance.
Attention Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, Garden Club Members and others advising home gardeners; this webinar is for you! Representatives from UWEX and DNR will join Melinda Myers to talk about current threats, available resources and ways we can all work together to manage invasive plants. To register for the free webinar, click the button below!
Goldfish were first spotted in Hamilton Harbour in the 1960s, but largely died off in the 1970s because of industrial contamination. In the early 2000s, their population appeared to recover. Goldfish can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures, reach sexual maturation quickly, and can eat nearly anything, including algae, aquatic plants, eggs and invertebrates, Ms. Boston said.
