The problem

​​​​Aquatic invaders like zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and the fish disease viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) are non-native species that cause damage to watercraft and equipment, and can interfere with our enjoyment of water recreation. These organisms also harm native plants and animals, reduce habitat for wildlife, change natural ecosystems, create health risks for humans, and result in negative economic impacts. 

​​Easily overlooked, the main way that these aquatic invaders spread is by hitching rides on boats, trailers, and gear used by anglers, boaters, and other recreationists. If you leave a water access site without taking precautions, you may be transporting these harmful organisms from one body of water to another.
Some recreational activities that can spread invaders include:
  • Canoeing
  • Jet-skiing
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding​
  • Power Boating
  • Sailing​​
  • Scuba Diving
  • Shore and Fly Fishing
  • ​Surfing​​​​
  • Wakeboarding
  • ​Waterfowl Hunting​
  • Windsurfing​

You can help

Simple steps can be taken to prevent the spread of aquatic invaders in Illinois.
REMOVE
plants, animals, and mud from all equipment.
​Many aquatic invaders spread by attaching to boats, trailers, and other equipment. 
DRAIN
all water from your boat and gear.
​Pull drain plugs and remove water from all equipment, such as portable bait containers, ballast tanks, motors, bilge tanks, livewells, and baitwells.
​DRY
everything thoroughly with a towel.
​Wiping down your boat, trailer, and other equipment not only leaves you with clean gear, but also removes any aquatic invaders. If possible, let your gear remain dry for at least five days.

Be A Hero Zones


​Waukegan Harbor, North Point Marina, Fox River Marina, Skokie Lagoons, and Silver Lake (Blackwell Forest Preserve) now have designated areas to give you the time and space to Remove, Drain and Dry. After time on the water, look for signs directing you to a zone. There, you will find detailed information to help you Transport Zero.
 
Have you used one of the Be A Hero zones and have comments or questions? Contact us on the Become a Partner page.

Report sightings

​Early detection of new populations is critical in controlling the spread of aquatic invaders from one waterbody to another. Report sightings of aquatic invaders through the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program.

It's The law

Effective January 1, 2013, Illinois’ Boat Registration and Safety Act (625 ILCS 45/5-23) has been amended to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals by boats, trailers, and vehicles.
​
It is illegal to enter OR leave a waterbody with aquatic plants or animals attached to your boat or trailer, and travel on Illinois highways with aquatic plants or animals attached is prohibited. ​

bait

​Aquatic invaders can be spread through the use of live bait. Juvenile silver carp, goldfish, and sticklebacks are sometimes unintentionally mixed in with bait species, depending on where the bait was sourced. To prevent the spread of invaders, anglers can take these simple actions:
REMOVE
non-bait fish, plants and other hitchhikers from your bait bucket before fishing.
DISPOSE
of all unwanted bait and hitchhikers in the trash.
DRAIN
bait bucket before moving to another waterbody.
NEVER
​RELEASE
organisms caught from one waterbody into another.

take The pledge

Join the fight! 95% of Illinois anglers are already fighting the spread of aquatic invaders. Check the boxes in the form below and press submit to take the pledge.

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Resources

Handouts, flyers, and other outreach tools for recreational water users are available through the Illinois Natural History Survey shop.