Video: Stop Exotics, Clean Your Boat

Exotics like zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and hydrilla are just a few aquatic nuisance species that watercraft users can spread if they're not careful. Stop Exotics, Clean Your Boat shows the simple steps boaters across North America can take to prevent the spread of these nasty plants and animals.

Featuring John Ratzenberger (a.k.a. Cliff Clavin from the TV show "Cheers") with his likable know-it-all style, this humorous video leaves boaters informed and motivated to take a couple extra minutes to clean their boat, sailboat, or personal watercraft at the end of a day on the water.

Studies have shown that boaters will take steps to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species if they are provided with the information. This 11-minute video is part of education efforts conducted by many agencies in the United States and Canada. The information it presents is based on voluntary prevention guidelines developed by the Recreation Activities Committee of the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and recommendations approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Stop Exotics, Clean Your Boat highlights 5 simple steps boaters should take with their equipment.

Before Launching into or leaving any waterbody:
• Remove all plants and animals
• Drain lake or river water
• Dispose of unwanted live bait on shore
• Rinse your boat and equipment with high pressure hot water, especially if moored for more than a day
• Dry everything for at least 5 days

Who is it for?
• Both boat marine and freshwater boaters
• Personal watercraft users
• Sailboaters

The video is designed to be shown at visitor centers, environmental learning centers, boating retail outlets, and at boater training sessions.

The University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program produced this video with major support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Coast Guard, SeaLand Technology, Inc., Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, University of California Sea Grant Program, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Single copies are available from Minnesota Sea Grant for $10. Bulk quantities (10 or more) cost $8 per vidoe. To order, call (218) 726-6191 or via e-mail at seagr@d.umn.edu.
Minnesota Sea Grant is a federally and state funded program that supports research and public education programs related to Lake Superior and Minnesota's inland waters.