Clean, Drain, Dry

Background

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are often unintentionally transported from one waterbody to another by ‘hitch-hiking’ on boats, trailers, or fishing gear. These species can cling to the hulls of boats, attach to fishing equipment, or even remain in the water contained in live wells and bilges. When these contaminated boats and gear are moved to a new location, they bring with them the potential to introduce harmful species into an ecosystem. This is why the practice of Clean, Drain, Dry is so vital in preventing the spread of AIS on Prince Edward Island.

By thoroughly cleaning boats and equipment, draining all water from boats and live wells, and allowing everything to dry completely, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of transporting invasive species. These simple steps help prevent the accidental introduction of non-native species into PEI’s aquatic environments. Otherwise, this could lead to competition with native species, disruption of local ecosystems, and significant economic costs.

What are Aquatic Invasive Species?

Aquatic invasive species are non-native organisms that are introduced outside of their native range and pose serious threats to our local ecosystems, economy, and social well-being. They compete with native species for food, habitat, and other resources. This can lead to a decline in populations of native species, introduce diseases, and alter water chemistry. These disruptions can result in a loss of biodiversity which harms both the environment and the industries that rely on healthy aquatic ecosystems such as fishing and tourism. They may also negatively impact the recreational activities we enjoy such as boating, angling, and swimming.

For example, invasive plants like Eurasian watermilfoil can choke out native vegetation, alter fish habitat, and reduce levels of dissolved oxygen. Zebra mussels can clog water intake pipes, damage infrastructure, and alter the natural balance of an ecosystem. Invasive fish, such as rainbow trout may compete with our native fish species for food and habitat. Aquatic invasive species may also carry diseases or parasites, such as whirling disease, that can further harm native aquatic organisms. 

Aquatic invasive species are often introduced unintentionally through human activity. Preventing the spread of AIS is essential to protecting the health of PEI’s waters. The practice of Clean, Drain, Dry—cleaning boats and equipment, draining all water, and allowing gear to dry completely—helps reduce the risk of transporting invasive species to new locations, thereby safeguarding the island’s aquatic environments for future generations.

What You Can Do

Help to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species on Prince Edward Island through three simple steps: Clean, Drain, Dry!

CLEAN:
Inspect and clean plants, animals, and mud from watercraft, trailer, and gear (fishing gear, waders, boots, etc).

DRAIN:
Drain all water from your watercraft, trailer, and gear (e.g. buckets, well, bilge, ballast etc.).

DRY:
Dry all parts of your watercraft, trailer, and gear completely between trips.

Aquatic Invasive Species Watch List

Other considerations:

• Do not transfer bait or the contents of a bait bucket from one waterbody to another.
• Learn about the aquatic invasive species threatening Prince Edward Island’s waterways.
• Report any suspected invasive species to the PEI Invasive Species Council at peiinvasives@gmail.com
• Upload invasive species observations on the iNaturalist app or on their website www.inaturalist.ca 

Acknowledgements

This webpage was developed with the financial support of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada through the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund.