Aquatic invasive species; spread prevention

§ 9-1710. Aquatic invasive species; spread prevention.

1. For purposes of this section:

(a) "Watercraft" shall mean every motorized or non-motorized boat or vehicle capable of being used or operated as a means of transportation or recreation in or on water.

(b) "Launch" shall mean to place a watercraft or floating dock into a public waterbody or any inlet or outlet to such waterbody for any purpose, including by trailer or other device or carrying by hand a watercraft into the waterbody.

2. No person shall launch a watercraft or floating dock unless it can be demonstrated that reasonable precautions such as removal of any visible plant or animal matter, washing, draining or drying as defined by the department pursuant to rules and regulations, have been taken.

3. The department may create and maintain a self-issuing certification designed for a person to demonstrate that reasonable precautions have been taken prior to launching a watercraft.

4. The department shall conduct education and outreach efforts including, but not limited to the following:

(a) establish and maintain a public website for the dissemination of educational materials to promote cleaning, draining and drying of watercrafts;

(b) develop and distribute educational materials including, but not limited to, the most effective methods to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and the potential for live wells and other interior water compartments to carry all stages of aquatic invasive species including those that are small-bodied and microscopic; and

(c) include boat washing education in approved boating safety courses.