Removing invasive species from boat interiors: what works best?

Wellard Kelly H, Brady V, Pierce K, Hell B, Jeffrey P, Pederson B, Ulseth A. 2026. Removing invasive species from boat interiors: what works best? Lake Reserv Manag 42:106–121. Cleaning boats after use is key to preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) between waterbodies. The most effective methods to prevent AIS spread, drying and hot water decontamination, are not always possible before launching into a different waterbody. Self-service tools may be provided at launches to encourage boat cleaning. The tools vary and may include waterless tools (e.g., vacuum, cloth wipe, compressed air), as well as low-pressure water for rinses. The effectiveness of the cleaning methods at removing AIS from the interior of boats is uncertain, as most studies have focused on boat exteriors and trailers. We tested the effectiveness of 4 different cleaning methods on the interior of a boat fouled to simulate a) typical angling boat use and b) waterfowler use (usually more soiled), along with associated gear (duck decoys and waders). For each simulation, we repeatedly fouled the same boat with an exact count of dead and surrogate AIS to test 1) hand removal, 2) waterless tools, 3) low-pressure water rinse, and 4) combination of all methods. We conducted 10 replicates for each cleaning test for each simulation. All methods in combination or the vacuum alone removed the highest proportion of surrogate AIS. The effectiveness of the methods depended on the type of surrogate AIS (e.g., spiny water fleas versus plant matter) and on the type of boat fouling. These results provide guidance to state agencies, managers, and cleaning station manufacturers on the best cleaning tools to provide at boat launches to more thoroughly clean boats and gear.