Logo Courtesy of New York State DEC
VERONA, N.Y. — Boaters and anglers are being urged to take extra steps to stop the spread of invasive species in New York’s waters.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation highlighted the importance of cleaning, draining and drying boats, trailers, fishing gear and other equipment before launching, especially as the summer boating season begins.
Starting May 22, boaters will see Watercraft Inspection Stewards, also called boat stewards, in blue vests at more than 220 boat launches and decontamination stations across the state.
Last year, DEC’s boat stewards connected with 430,000 recreationists, conducted more than 220,000 watercraft inspections and intercepted 8,717 invasive plants and animals.
As part of the Watercraft Inspection Steward Program expansion, DEC is placing boat stewards and a new decontamination unit at the Cove Road boat ramp in Verona, with support from the New York State Canal Corporation.
This launch, which opened in 2023, provides direct access to Oneida Lake, the State’s largest inland lake and a popular fishing spot.
The initiative is focused on fighting the spread of invasive species already in the lake, such as the round goby and water chestnut, and preventing new ones from arriving.
Aquatic invasive plants like water chestnut can harm ecosystems by blocking sunlight, lowering oxygen levels and increasing sediment.
Invasive fish such as the round goby threaten biodiversity by carrying diseases, eating native fish eggs and out-competing native species.
These species can also negatively affect water recreation and local economies.
Boat steward programs have grown in recent years, expanding from the Finger Lakes and Adirondack regions to Western New York, the Catskills, the Mohawk and Hudson rivers and Long Island.
More than 220 locations now have active boat stewards, employing over 280 people.