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(Iowa) -- Summer boating season is underway, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters to take precautions to avoid spreading aquatic hitchhikers from one body of water to another.
Jason Euchner, aquatic biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says, "what we're talking about is more or less aquatic non-native species, so aquatic, non-native invertebrates like zebra mussels, and non-native fish like bighead carp and silver carp."
The DNR says invasive species often move from one body to another through bait buckets, boats, or other equipment used in the water. Invasive species often spread quickly due to lack of natural predators in the eco system.
The DNR recommends cleaning any plants, animals, or mud from boats or equipment used in the water, draining anything that might have water from the body of water in it, and drying anything that comes into contact with water. It also recommends spraying boats and trailers with hot or high-pressure water. It is against Iowa law to transport or possess invasive species of plants and animals or transport boats with drain plugs intact.
More information on invasive aquatic species in Iowa is available on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.