Posted by A new video produced by Wisconsin Sea Grant offers complementary views of exciting fishing tournament action along with the invitation to keep them aquatic-invasive-species-free. The 10- minute video provides step-by-step instructions for setting up a boat-washing station and works to educate fishing event organizers and anglers with the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! – Clean Drain Dry message.
Clean Boats, Clean Tournaments (YouTube) acknowledges that fishing tournaments can run the risk of spreading Eurasian milfoil, zebra/quagga mussels and spiny water fleas. These invaders can alter the habitat and wreak havoc on the food chain so vital for highly sought after sport fish.
“The goal of a wash or decontamination station is to quickly and effectively Clean, Drain and Dry as many boats as possible. A station also demonstrates a good-faith prevention effort to regulatory and permitting agencies showing that event organizers are doing their part. These practices can go a long way to protect fishing tournaments and help protect our waters,” said Phil Moy, Assistant Director for research and outreach with Wisconsin Sea Grant.
“This video shows just how easy it is to do the right thing. Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is up to everyone from anglers to business owners. The Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign works to positively influence the actions of all anglers and fishing event organizers,” said Pat Conzemius, Conservation Director of Wildlife Forever.
Clean Boats, Clean Tournaments invites scout groups, 4-H chapters, high school sports teams, local fishing clubs and other service organizations to set up boat-washing stations at fishing events and tournaments. Using on-screen lists of equipment needed, video demonstrating specific actions and animations depicting possible traffic flow patterns for vehicles, boats and trailers, any organization can easily learn how to host a boat-washing station that both protects waters and potentially raises funds for the group.
Project partners include: The Bass Federation, Cabelas Masters Walleye Circuit, Great Lakes Sea Grant Network, National Bass Anglers Association, National Professional Anglers Association, The Walleye Federation and Wildlife Forever.
To request the wash station training DVD, contact Wildlife Forever: info@wildlifeforever.org
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