DEC reminding boaters to clean, drain, and dry their boats and trailers and disinfect their fishing gear before recreating in New York’s waters to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS). Watercraft inspection stewards (boat stewards) are deploying across the state to educate and assist the public in cleaning equipment this season to prevent the introduction and spread of non-native plants and animals in bodies of water
Boat stewards will be stationed at more than 200 boat launches and decontamination stations throughout the state by Memorial Day weekend.