DNR photo After trailering a boat, check these locations for aquatic plants and debris, and drain all bilges and live wells before leaving the launch area.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation to mark Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, June 29 to July 5, raising awareness about the importance of stopping the spread of invasive aquatic plants and organisms.

At a landing blitz, two men standing near the motor of a trailered small boat in a parking lot. A woman and a child are standing behind the boat.

Over 50 boat landing events are planned across the state to mark this year’s AIS Awareness Week. Public awareness about the impacts of harmful, nonnative aquatic plants and animals is critical to protecting Michigan’s ecosystems, tourism and economy.

The boat landing events are part of the 12th Annual AIS Landing Blitz in which local partners such as lake associations and cooperative invasive species management areas give boaters and anglers tips to prevent the spread of invasive species and comply with laws for recreational boating. Similar AIS Landing Blitz events will be held in each of the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces.

Help prevent the spread of AIS by following these simple steps:

Required actions – it’s the law in Michigan

Remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting.

Remove all drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells before transporting a watercraft.

Dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.

Recommended additional actions to protect our waters

Clean boats, trailers and equipment by removing plants, debris and mud before leaving the access area. Dispose of the material in a trash receptacle or otherwise away from the water body, if possible.

Wash boats and trailers before leaving the access area, if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home.

Dry boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body.

Disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons water).

“Preventing the spread of invasive species in our waterways is as simple as cleaning, draining, and drying all boats, trailers and gear between uses,” said Kevin Walters, aquatic biologist with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Water Resources Division. “AIS Awareness Week is a good reminder that if we all do our part, we can lessen the impact of invasive species in Michigan.”