Boater Awareness

Aquatic hitchhikers cost millions of dollars in ecological and economic damage.  

These known invaders harm native fish populations and threaten your waters and YOUR WALLET. By following a few simple rules, you can protect your waters and prevent these harmful species from establishing, harming local fish and plant populations, and ruining your fishing and boating experiences. 

Check your equipment for hitchhikers and remove any visible mud, plants, fish, or animals. What may appear harmless could be an invader like ZEBRA MUSSEL or EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL. These species are known to travel in ballast water, attach to boats, and be transported between reservoirs. Some of these invaders cannot be seen by the naked eye, so take extra precautions whenever possible.  

Clean, dry, and drain all equipment that comes in contact with the water. If there is a place for water to collect, there is a chance you may be transporting something harmful. Some of these costly invaders are not visible to the naked eye, and are therefore transported unknowingly. 

Dispose of all bait on dry land and do not release any plants or animals into the water supply! RUSTY CRAYFISH and WHITE PERCH hitchhike in bait buckets hidden amongst bait. With a little extra effort, we can keep Walnut Creek Lake clean and healthy!

Report a sighting:

Invasive Species Hotline

1-877-STOP-ANS (1-877-786-7267)

Visit these websites for more information:

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers

100th Meridian Initiative

California Invasive Species Program

Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force

Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants