Clean, Drain and Dry. Why not just decontaminate?
Main Methods of AIS Spread
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) can be introduced to new areas by two main ways:
- By natural water movement downstream
- Transmission by humans
Fortunately, the spread of AIS by humans is preventable.
Why Clean, Drain, Dry
Clean, Drain, Dry and Decontaminate (CDDD) actions are sequential steps that each add layers of protection against the spread of AIS by humans. These steps apply year-round and are required when items come in contact with a water body.
1. CLEAN:
WHAT: Cleaning entails the physical removal of visible AIS, debris, animals, mud, and plants including algae.
WHY: To remove AIS itself or substances where AIS can hide.
WHEN: Before removing watercraft or water-related equipment from the shore of a water body.
2. DRAIN:
- remove watercraft drain plugs and keep them out when transporting watercraft overland.
- raise, lower and move the outboard motor from side to side.
WHAT: Draining refers to the removal of standing or residual water.
WHY: This is where hard-to-see and microscopic AIS can live and would not be otherwise removed by cleaning.
To facilitate draining:
WHEN: Before removing watercraft or water-related equipment from the shore of a water body.
3. DRY:
WHAT: Dry thoroughly to eliminate any residual wetness or dampness missed in the cleaning and draining steps.
WHY: The action of wiping down internal watercraft compartments and surfaces of gear can help crush any AIS and remove trace habitats that would not be otherwise removed by cleaning or draining steps further decreasing the chance of their survival.
WHEN: For watercraft - the interior compartments, or accessible spaces where water can accumulate (e.g., transom area) must be dried before leaving the shore of a water body. For water-related equipment - it must be dried completely before it's used in a different water body (i.e., doesn't need to be dried before leaving the shore of the water body).
When and Why is Decontamination Needed
The risk of humans spreading AIS to other areas is much greater after being in an AIS invaded area. Thus, a greater risk of spreading AIS is met with a corresponding level of AIS protection. This additional step following Clean, Drain, Dry applies only when items have been removed from an area known to have AIS, such as a control zone, or in other areas with posted decontamination requirements.
DECONTAMINATE:
WHAT: Decontamination is a procedure that aims to kill any overlooked AIS.
WHY: Must be done if watercraft or water-related equipment were last used in an invaded area, such as an AIS Control Zone or areas with posted decontamination requirements and before the items are placed into a different water body or control zone. If returning to the same invaded area you last left, decontamination is not required.
Together, Clean, Drain, Dry and Decontaminate are legally required additive steps to become free of AIS. They target various stages and types of AIS to offset the level of risk our behaviours pose for spreading AIS to new areas.
