Exotic plant and sealife such as water hyacinths, hydrilla and zebra mussels may become attached to vessels and trailers and can be accidentally introduced to other waterways. Once introduced, exotics can be very invasive and difficult to control. When exotic plants and sealife spread they contribute to the degradation of water quality in fish and wildlife habitat by outcompeting native species and by blocking light needed by submerged plants. Prevent the introduction of exotic plants and animals, such as water hyacinth, hydrilla and zebra mussels from one waterway to another. Boaters should avoid chopping vegetation with outboard motor propellers.
Check bilges, live wells and trailers at ramps to minimize spread of exotics to unaffected areas.
Remove all plant fragments from trailers, props, bait wells, fishing tackle, dive gear, etc., for disposal in an upland facility or receptacle. Flush raw water cooling systems and clean sea strainers before launching boats trailered or motored from other states or nations. Boat propellers and wakes can damage submerged aquatic vegetation and cause shoreline erosion. Florida has an estimated 2.7 million acres of seagrasses. In addition to being the principle food source for manatees, seagrasses provide refuge and nursery habitat for numerous other wildlife species including commercial and recreational valuable fish, crabs and shrimp.