College interns greeting boaters at Long Island ponds and lakes this summer aren’t just there to be friendly. They’re making sure invasive species haven’t hitched a ride and could pollute local waters. It’s part of an effort by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to curb the spread of aquatic invaders through the Boat Steward Program.
Boat stewards, who also include volunteers and paid staffers, are stationed at more than 120 launch sites statewide, including Suffolk County. They perform free inspections of watercraft and gear, guide boaters through the “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocol, and educate them on spot checks, decontamination, and reporting procedures.
Since 2020, stewards have educated over 500,000 water recreationists, inspected nearly 350,000 vessels, and intercepted more than 19,000 instances of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), according to state officials.
Stewards use tools such as the iMapInvasives platform to log which bodies of water boats come from—information that helps track invasive species trends and guide containment efforts.
Our waters face a range of invasive threats, frequently transported via boats, trailers, and gear, including:
- Eurasian Watermilfoil: A rapidly spreading aquatic plant that chokes out native vegetation, disrupts fish habitat, and creates dense mats that hinder navigation and swimming.
- Curly-Leaf Pondweed: Another aggressive plant that degrades water quality and coverage.
- Zebra Mussels: Tiny shellfish that attach themselves to boats and surfaces, clog water infrastructure, and outcompete native species.
- Round Goby: An invasive fish now monitored closely. This species preys on native fish eggs, competes fiercely for resources, and can introduce pathogens into the ecosystem.
Stewards offer more than just inspections—they’re a frontline defense. In the Adirondack Park, for instance, nearly 100,000 boat inspections last year uncovered about 3,800 invasive specimens, including the likes of watermilfoil, zebra mussels, curly-leaf pondweed, and spiny water fleas, leading to nearly 2,800 decontaminations.
On Long Island, these efforts prevent the costly spread of AIS into uninfected waters. Once established, invaders can be prohibitively expensive to manage or eradicate, making prevention far more practical and effective.
Before heading out:
- Clean: Remove plants, mud, and debris from your boat, trailer, and equipment.
- Drain: Empty all water-holding areas, such as bilges, live wells, and bait buckets.
- Dry: Leave everything in dry conditions for at least 5–7 days, or disinfect with 140°F water for 30+ seconds if drying isn’t possible.