Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are animals and plants that are not native to Iowa and cause environmental, economic, and human harm. These species can be introduced and spread through a variety of activities including boating, fishing, aquarium ownership, and water gardening.
Learn more about invasive species threatening Iowa
How to Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
- Inspect your boat, trailer, and equipment and remove any visible plants, animals, or mud before leaving a waterbody.
- Drain water from your boat, motor, live well and bilge before leaving a waterbody.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. Never release fish, animals or plants into a waterbody unless they came from that waterbody.
- Rinse or dry your boat, trailer, and fishing equipment to remove or kill species that were not visible when you left a waterbody. Before transporting to another waterbody, rinse with high pressure and/or hot (104 degrees) water, or dry for at least five days.
- Learn to identify aquatic invasive species and report any suspected sightings to the nearest DNR fisheries station.
Aquatic Invasive Species Law
- It is illegal to possess, introduce, purchase, sell, or transport aquatic invasive species in Iowa.
- It is illegal to transport aquatic plants attached to or within water-related equipment, including boats, trailers, bait containers, live wells, ballast tanks, and bilge areas.
- All water must be drained from water-related equipment when leaving a water access (this includes live wells and bait buckets). Drain plugs, bailers and valves must remain removed or open during transport.
- It is illegal to introduce any live fish, except for hooked bait, into public waters.
Other Useful Invasive Species Links