The boating industry and natural resource agencies have a common goal of getting boaters out to enjoy amazing places across the country. But boating access and enjoyment are threatened by the spread of aquatic invasive species – non-native plants and animals that have been introduced to our waters and that can limit our ability to recreate, diminish our fishing opportunities, and degrade the waters we enjoy.
Recreational boats are one way that unwanted species are moved between waters. Thousands of partners are working to help boaters and other recreational users understand the importance of “Clean Drain Dry” and how to avoid unintentionally spreading invasive species. By promoting the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! message, businesses, industries, academia, and non-governmental organizations have an opportunity to minimize the risk that recreational users contribute to invasive species.
HOW YOU CAN HELPThe Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign capitalizes on proven strategies and prevention messages. It promotes strong, concise, consistent, and appealing messages to engage in understanding the threat of hitchhiking species. The goals of the campaign are to raise awareness, change behaviors, and build community capacity to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species across the United States and beyond.
Public awareness and action are the keys to preventing the spread of invasive hitchhikers! Research shows that 97 percent of boaters and anglers are willing to take action to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species after they were exposed to Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! and its Clean, Drain, Dry prevention message. Of those that have not seen the campaign’s logo, nine of 10 respondents knew what it meant. This is the mark of an effective brand.
Do your part. Everyone is doing it. It’s easy. It works.
Protect Our Waters.
Learn how to help:
