“Anyone transferring water, mud or vegetation between waterbodies has the potential to spread aquatic nuisance species,” said Chris Steffen, aquatic nuisance species coordinator for the KDWPT, in the release. “If everyone took the appropriate steps to clean, drain and dry their boats, bait buckets and other recreational equipment before moving between lakes, we could prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species.”
To prevent further spread of aquatic nuisance species, the KDWPT asks that boaters or anglers using any body of water follow these regulations and precautions:
— Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment between uses.
— Use wild-caught bait only in the lake or pool where it was caught.
— Do not move live fish from waters infested with zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species.
— Drain livewells and bilges and remove drain plugs from all vessels prior to transport from any Kansas water on a public highway.
To report a possible aquatic nuisance species, contact Chris Steffen at (620) 342-0658 or chris.steffen@ks.gov.