An Iowa agency is reminding boaters and paddlers to help prevent aquatic hitchhikers from moving to new places in the state.
Kim Bogenschutz, from the Fisheries Bureau of the Department of Natural Resources, says the invasive species are not native to Iowa's rivers, creeks, and lakes. After they arrive, they usually take over and dominate the entire ecosystem, using resources native species need to survive.
She says people who've recently bought canoes or kayaks may not be aware of the rules. But it's easy to remember three words, "clean, drain, and dry" before leaving access areas. That's what Iowa law requires all boaters to do with boats, trailers, other equipment, and even dogs that get wet in a public body of water.
Aquatic hitchhikers range in size from microscopic or tiny, such as zebra mussels, to very large, such as Asian carp, which can jump out of the water and cause serious injuries.
More information is available on the Iowa DNR's website or in this year's fishing regulation booklet, pages 18 and 19 (below).
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