https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/042fe757f1236a4518700569d798e1a2.pdf f40c80635d8df7d5005e40db5631b4db PDF Text Text C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures Certification WID Training Curriculum for Stage I and Stage II Authorized Agents Original adopted on February 20, 2009. Revised on March 1, 2020. cpw.state.co.us ��Colorado Parks and Wildlife Invasive Species Program Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 Program Office: 303-291-7295 Invasive.Species@state.co.us Elizabeth Brown Invasive Species Program Manager Elizabeth.Brown@state.co.us Robert Walters Invasive Species Specialist Robert.Walters@state.co.us all photos © cpw/ans program unless otherwise indicated. Cover: quagga mussels © michael porter, u.s. army corps of engineers ��Table of Contents WELCOME! Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Outdoor Demonstration­—Entrance Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Chapter 1: Introduction and State ANS Program Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Chapter 2: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Chapter 3: Other ANS Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Table of Contents 1 �Agenda State of Colorado—Parks and Wildlife Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Certification Training Agenda—Day 1 of 2 9:00 am Welcome! 9:00–9:30 am Entrance Boat Inspection Demonstration and Discussion 9:30–10:00 am Introduction: State ANS Program Overview 10:00–10:30 am Zebra and Quagga Mussel Biology 10:30–11:00 am OUTSIDE—How Many Mussels Can You Find? 11:00–11:30 pm Other ANS Biology 11:30–12:30 pm Watercraft 101 (including outdoor session on boat anatomy) 12:30–1:30 pm LUNCH BREAK (on your own) 1:30–3:30 pm Inspection Protocol DEMO—WID Mobile and Seal Application (half way through lecture) 3:30–4:30 pm OUTSIDE—Inspection Practice (groups of three—inspector, boater, observer) 4:30–5:00 pm Summarize Day 1 5:00 pm Adjourn STUDENT HOMEWORK—MEMORIZE ENTRANCE INSPECTION PROTOCOL AND ANSWER QUESTIONS AT THE END OF EACH CHAPTER. Breaks will be given approximately every 90 minutes, sometimes longer. We will break for lunch in the noon hour. Lunch is on your own. 2 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �State of Colorado—Parks and Wildlife Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Certification Training Agenda—Day 2 of 2 9:00–9:30 am Day 1 Chapter Review Questions 9:30–10:00 am Exit Inspection Demonstration 10:00–11:00 am Outside: Exit Inspection Practice (Groups of 3—Boater, Inspector, Observer) 11:00–11:30 am Decontamination Overview 11:30–12:00 pm OUTSIDE—Decontamination Unit Standard Operating Procedures, Winterization and Attachments 12:00–1:00 pm LUNCH (on your own) 11:00–3:00 pm Decontamination (two concurrent groups unless class size is 10 or less) 1. Indoor—Decontamination Manual • Standing Water Decontamination • Interior Compartments • Engine Flush—Outboard, I/O, Inboards • Ballast Tank Flush • Plant Decontamination • Bait Treatment: Live Aquatic Bait and Crayfish Regulations • Full Decontamination 2. Outdoor—Decontamination Demonstration and Practice • Standing Water Decontamination • Interior Compartments • Engine Flush—Outboard, I/O, Inboards • Hull and Trailer Decontamination 3:00–3:30 pm Questions and Answers 3:30–4:00 pm Final Exam—Inspector and Decontamination Certification 4:00–5:00 pm Grade Exams & Review Answers 5:00 pm Adjourn Agenda 3 �Outdoor Demonstration—Entrance Inspection What Did You Observe? 1. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 5. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 6. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 7. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 8. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 9. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 10. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 11. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 12. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 13. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 14. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 15. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 16. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 17. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 18. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 19. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 20. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Chapter 1 Introduction and State ANS Program Information cpw.state.co.us Chapter 1: Introduction and State ANS Program Information 5 ��Chapter 1: Introduction and State ANS Program Information What are Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) or Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)? Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) or aquatic invasive species (AIS) are also called non-native species, exotic species, non-indigenous species, noxious weeds, or pests. ANS can be plants or animals. Invasive aquatic plants are introduced plants that live either partially or completely submerged in the water and out-compete native species for light, space and nutrients creating a dense monoculture. Invasive aquatic animals also outcompete native species and require a watery habitat, but do not necessarily have to live entirely in water. ANS plants and animals not only threaten native species but also interfere with recreational activities and municipal, industrial, commercial, and agricultural water supply, storage, and distribution. In their native environments, ANS populations are typically held in check and controlled by predators, parasites, pathogens, or competitors. However, when they are transported to a new environment, the natural checks are usually left behind. This gives invasive plants and animals an advantage over native species and makes them very difficult, if not impossible, to control. Long-term management of invasive species is costing the U.S.A. over $200 billion dollars a year (Pimental et al 1996). How are ANS defined? “’Aquatic Nuisance Species’ means exotic or non-native aquatic wildlife or any plant species that have been determined by the [Parks] Board to pose a significant threat to the aquatic resources or water infrastructure of the state.” [Colorado Senate Bill 08-226 signed by Governor Bill Ritter Jr. in May 2008 (“ANS Act”)]. “A species that is: 1.) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and 2.) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” [Executive Order 13112 signed by President William Clinton on February 3, 1999 (“Invasive Species Act”)] What is the purpose of this State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Training Curriculum? As referenced in the ANS Regulation #800M, this document details the standard “WID [Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination] Procedures” that Colorado Authorized Locations [a.k.a. Inspection and Decontamination Stations] and Authorized Agents [a.k.a. Inspectors and Decontaminators] must adhere to. The WID Procedures described in the following pages and taught in the CPW Training and Certification Course has been proven to reduce the risk of mussels and other ANS being introduced into our precious waters, through implementation of a risk-based prevention and containment program that has resulted in the interception of 281 infested mussel boats from 2009–2019. What ANS is Colorado concerned about? While this handbook puts special emphasis on preventing introductions of two species that have the most significant economic, cultural and natural resource impacts—zebra and quagga mussels or ZQM—the procedures apply to all aquatic nuisance species, both plant and animal. The following table lists the ANS plants and animals prohibited in the ANS Regulation #800A: ANIMALS Common Name Crayfish, rusty Scientific Name Faxonius rusticus (also known as Orconectes rusticus) Mussel, quagga Dreissena rostriformis bugensis Mussel, zebra Dreissena polymorpha New Zealand mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum Water Flea, fishhook Cercopagis pengoi Water Flea, spiny Bythotrephes longimanus (also known as Bythotrephes cederstroemi) Chapter 1: Introduction and State ANS Program Information 7 �PLANTS Common Name Scientific Name African elodea Lagarosiphon major Brazilian elodea Egeria densa Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum Giant salvinia Salvinia molesta Hyacinth, water Eichornia crassipes Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata Parrotfeather Myriophyllum aquaticum Yellow floating heart Nymphoides peltata A comprehensive list and description of ANS that could negatively impact native species, recreation, or water resources is provided in the Colorado ANS Pocket Guide [CDOW and Colorado Department of Agriculture, 2010]. Additional information about zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails and other native and non-native mollusks can be found in the Colorado Mollusk Pocket Guide [CDOW, 2011]. Chapter 3 titled “Other ANS” describes the highest priority invasive species. It is imperative that inspectors and decontaminations strive to prevent or contain introductions of all invasives by ensuring watercraft are clean, drained and dry—no mud, no mussels, no water, and no plants— before launching and after retrieval in Colorado waters. 8 State ANS Program Information The CPW Invasive Species Program provides coordination and support for the management of all invasive species on CPW properties, which includes both terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals. However, the focus of the Invasive Species Program is on the statewide coordination of a partnership based ANS prevention and containment program. Our Mission “To protect wildlife, natural resources, recreation, infrastructure, agriculture and the economy by 1.) preventing the introduction of zebra and quagga mussels, and other invasive species, 2.) by containing current infestations and 3.) stopping the spread of invaders into new waters.” Legal Authority The State responded quickly to the increased threat of zebra and quagga mussels in the western US following the invasion of Lake Mead and some initial detections of juvenile microscopic mussels and eDNA in Colorado. The Colorado General Assembly passed passed the State ANS Act on May 29, 2008. The Act defines ANS and makes it illegal to possess, import, export, ship, transport, release, plant, place, or cause an ANS to be released. The Act created an ANS Fund in CPW for implementation. The ANS Act provides authority to Qualified Peace Officers to inspect, and if necessary, decontaminate or quarantine watercraft for ANS. It provides authority for CPW to certify individuals as “Authorized Agents” (a.k.a. inspectors and decontaminators) to work at “Authorized Locations” (a.k.a. watercraft inspection and decontamination stations or WIDS) Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �for the purposes of inspecting and decontaminating watercraft to prevent new introductions and contain existing detections of ANS. The Parks Board (now Parks and Wildlife Commission) passed regulations required by the Act on February 20, 2009. The regulations require mandatory watercraft inspection and decontamination, if necessary, of: 1. watercraft coming in from out of state 2. watercraft leaving a suspect or positive water in Colorado 3. watercraft entering a high-risk water where inspections and decontaminations are required by the managing agency. The ANS Regulations set the standard for certification, watercraft inspection, decontamination, impoundment, sampling, monitoring, identification, and reporting. Following the passage of the ANS Regulations, CDOW published the State ZQM Management Plan. Implementation began in March 2009 and is ongoing today. The ZQM Plan outlines the statewide approach to zebra and quagga mussel management and mirrors the regulations. Implementation of the plan is partnership based and dependent on many entities to ensure a standardized and seamless approach across jurisdictions. ANS Regulations https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/ Regulations/ChP08.pdf ANS Act https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/WildlifeSpecies/ AquaticNuisance/ANS_ACT_SB08_226. pdf#search=State%20ANS%20Act Mussel Free Colorado Act https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb18-1008 Sampling/Monitoring DEFINITIONS: Gene Sequencing—A process for species identification using advanced molecular analysis. Larval—The larvae or initial life stage of a zebra or quagga mussel (and Asian clams or other mollusks) is the free-floating infant stage of a mussel, also called a veliger. Microscopic—Too small to be seen by the unaided eye but large enough to be studied under a microscope. Microscopy—The science of examining and identifying organisms under the microscope. Plankton—passively floating, drifting, or somewhat motile organisms occurring in a body of water, primarily comprising microscopic algae and protozoa. Often the bottom of the food chain. PCR—Polymerase Chain Reaction—A process for amplification of DNA for species identification. Plankton Tow—A cylindrical net with a fine mesh is dropped into a body of water to capture any plankton, veligers, or other organisms in the net, where it can then be analyzed in a lab. Settlers—Or juvenile mussels. As a veliger grows out of the veliger or larval stage, it undergoes a metamorphosis. The animal begins to grow a shell and will settle onto a semi-hard or hard surface to finish developing. At this stage, the settlers will feel like sandpaper or grit. Substrate—1.) A device used to monitor for the settler stage of zebra or quagga mussels, typically consisting of a black, rough PVC pipe suspended in the water body between a buoy at the surface and a weight at the bottom. 2.) The bottom of the water body, where organisms live—the benthos or benthic area. Veliger—The free-swimming larva of a mollusk. During the veliger stage, the mollusk begins to develop a shell. They are microscopic at this state and can only be seen under a microscope. Chapter 1: Introduction and State ANS Program Information 9 �For more than a decade, CPW has implemented a comprehensive early detection program for zebra and quagga mussels and other ANS. Waters were selected from a prioritization ranking resulting from a risk assessment, which was conducted specifically to determine the potential risk of introduction of zebra and quagga mussels. The risk assessment identified 168 total lakes and reservoirs, of which the sampling frequency varies from once per year to every 4 weeks depending on the risk level. Very high and high risk waters are visited every month. Medium risk waters are monitored 2–3 times per year and low risk waters are monitored 1–2 times per year. Streams and rivers are monitored on a rotating basis annually by need and priority as funding and resources allows. CPW has sampled 584 “at-risk” waters for ANS. The state follows a three-tier sampling protocol and a three-phase identification process for the early detection of zebra or quagga mussels: 1.) conducting plankton tows to find the veligers, 2.) deploy and check substrates to find the juvenile “settlers” or attached adult mussels, and 3.) conduct surveys along the shoreline and existing structures for settled juveniles or attached adult mussels. CPW ANS Crews also perform crayfish trapping, aquatic plant inventories, and stream surveys for early detection purposes, as well as long term monitoring of known invasive populations. The CPW ANS Program also catalogs native plants, mollusks and crustaceans detected for natural history inventory purposes. Minimum Criteria for Detection The Western Regional Panel standards for positive detection of zebra or quagga mussels is based on the minimum criteria for detection. Colorado follows these minimum standards and the state protocols are detailed below for each life stage. • Veligers—the following tests must all be positive on the same sample. • Microscopy (visual ID of an animal) • PCR (genetic or molecular identification of the species) • Gene Sequencing (genetic or molecular confirmation of the species identification) • Settlers—Taxonomic identification by two independent experts. • DNA analysis may or may not be required. 10 • Adults—Taxonomic identification by two independent experts. • DNA analysis may or may not be required. There have never been any adult ZQM detected in Colorado’s waters. Water Body Classifications Colorado adheres to the Western Regional Panel standards for water body classification related to early detection sampling and monitoring for zebra and quagga mussels. The definitions for detected waters are below: • Negative: Sampling/testing is ongoing and nothing has been detected, or nothing has been detected within the time frames for de‐listing. • Inconclusive (temporary status): Water body has not met the minimum criteria for detection (e.g. a single eDNA hit). • Suspect: Water body that has met the minimum criteria for detection. • Positive: Multiple (2 or more) subsequent sampling events that meet the minimum criteria for detection. • Infested: A water body that has an established (recruiting or reproducing) population. De-Listing Standards The Western Regional Panel standards also set timelines for de‐listing detected waters, as detailed below. In adopting the regional standard Colorado de‐listed Granby, Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain, Willow Creek, Tarryall, Jumbo, and Blue Mesa in 2014 and Pueblo Reservoir in 2017. The timelines for de‐listing are below: • Inconclusive: 1 year of negative testing including at least one sample taken in the same month of subsequent year as the positive sample (accounting for seasonal environment variability) to get to undetected/negative. • Suspect: 3 years of negative testing to get to undetected/negative. • Positive: 5 years of negative testing to get to undetected/negative. • Infested: Following a successful eradication or extirpation event including a minimum of 5 years’ post‐event testing/monitoring with negative results. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Per the state ANS Regulations, trailered watercraft must submit to an inspection, and decontamination if needed, prior to entrance in Colorado’s waters following boating out of state or boating on a positive or suspect water. Boaters are also required to submit to an inspection prior to entering a water body where inspections are required by the managing agency. All persons performing inspections and/or decontaminations must be certified by CPW. Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) CPW coordinates a vast network of WID stations that are operated by CPW, the National Park Service, Larimer County, several municipalities, and numerous private industry locations including businesses, concessioners, marinas, clubs, and private lakes. In total, the state has collectively performed over 4.9 million inspections and 119,814 decontaminations since 2008. Number of Authorized Locations by Entity Entity Type 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Colorado Parks & Wildlife - - - - 38 37 37 32 32 30 29 29 Division of Wildlife 5 160 19 19 - - - - - - - - Larimer County 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 Municipalities 3 7 11 9 8 8 8 8 8 7 8 8 National Park Service 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Private Industry 3 11 51 30 24 27 27 28 28 31 32 32 State Parks 24 28 28 28 - - - - - - - - Total 35 209 112 89 71 75 75 71 71 72 72 72 Colorado Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Stations for 2020 Chapter 1: Introduction and State ANS Program Information 11 �Types of Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Stations • • • • Negative Prevention Waters: Waters that have never had a verified detection of any ANS or have not had a detection within the time frame for de‐ listing. Other ANS Containment Waters: Waters that are positive for an Other ANS. They have a verified presence of an ANS listed in Chapter 8 regulations other than zebra or quagga mussels. Most ANS Positive waters are also prevention waters for mussels and other ANS. ZQM Containment Waters: Waters that have had a verified zebra or quagga mussel detection. Off Water Locations: Authorized locations that are not located at a water body. WID Training and Certification CPW taught 59 WID certification courses in 2019, in addition to maintaining an online recertification program for experienced inspectors and decontaminators. There have been a total of 869 trainings since the program’s inception. In addition to the online course for experienced staff, the Invasive Species Program within CPW also maintained two other specialized WID courses: theWID Trainer’s Training and Advanced Decontamination. CPW certified 773 individuals last year, for a total of 7,631 people certified or re-certified in WID since the training program was implemented in 2009. CPW currently has authorized 72 locations to perform watercraft inspection and decontamination. Of those, Green Mountain Reservoir is operated as a containment operation for quagga mussel veligers, and twelve locations are operated as containment for other ANS. The focus of the containment program is to inspect watercraft leaving the lakes/reservoirs to prevent boats from moving ANS overland into currently uninfested areas, while maintaining prevention activities upon entrance to the reservoir. Fifty-nine locations operate as prevention locations. Prevention locations are those that are negative for all ANS or are not located at a waterbody (e.g. offices or marine dealers). Number of Inspections and Decontaminations Performed in Colorado A total of 481,543 inspections and 22,947 decontaminations were performed in Colorado in 2019. In total, the state has collectively performed over 4.9 million inspections and 119,814 decontaminations since 2008. Mussel Boat Interceptions Last year the state intercepted more watercraft infested with zebra or quagga mussels than ever before. All of these watercraft were fully decontaminated prior to being allowed into Colorado’s waters. Since 2009, a Inspec3ons   500,000   450,000   396,104   437,520   415,302   411,687   404,503   486,156   428,457   475,156   474,519   481,543   426,624   400,000   350,000   300,000   250,000   200,000   150,000   118,587   100,000   50,000   0   Colorado  Parks  &  Wildlife   Division  of  Wildlife   2009   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019   0   0   0   0   266,076   259,235   283,108   282,092   331,361   324,568   318,735   324,342   0   4,587   52,608   70,165   63,155   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   114,000   214,690   224,640   223,739   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   Larimer  County   0   62,595   64,813   61,489   49,741   60,036   54,555   59,968   59,500   58,489   57,015   55567   MunicipaliGes   0   20,569   24,563   24,422   28,331   26,527   24,797   18,121   23,487   17,268   25,298   27,339   NaGonal  Park  Service   0   27,582   35,557   21,913   18,374   18,445   21,318   17,784   20,979   23,741   22,486   18257   Private  Industry   0   18,060   17,782   20,584   49,165   40,260   44,679   48,659   50,829   51,090   50,985   56,038   118587   396,104   437,520   415,302   411,687   404,503   428,457   426,624   486,156   475,156   474,519   481,543   State  Parks   12 2008   Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Decontamina5ons   22,947   25,000   19,111   20,000   16,224   15,000   11,740   13,020   14,904   8,428   10,000   5,000   3,364   3,120   2,833   3,997   126   0   2008   2009   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015   2016   2017   2018   2019   Colorado  Parks  &  Wildlife   0   0   0   0   1,009   3,543   8,746   7,965   10,373   9,816   9,246   10284   Division  of  Wildlife   47   1,025   775   1,443   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   State  Parks   79   511   365   315   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   MunicipaliDes   0   554   590   415   664   703   1,348   2,025   2,024   2,455   6,026   8,759   Larimer  County   0   635   1,029   271   217   212   258   1,178   1,325   601   1,027   1078   NaDonal  Park  Service   0   219   239   290   338   1,501   627   380   501   606   618   625   Private  Industry   0   420   122   99   1,769   2,469   761   1,472   2,001   1,426   2194   2,201   126   3,364   3,120   2,833   3,997   8,428   11,740   13,020   16,224   14,904   19,111   22,947   Total   total of 281 boats with attached adult zebra or quagga mussels were intercepted coming into Colorado. The infested vessels were coming from Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. The majority of the intercepted vessels were coming from Arizona, Lake Powell, the Great Lakes, or Mississippi River states. All boats were fully decontaminated to ensure all mussels were dead, and no mussels were visibly attached to the vessel. In the past, infested vessels have been intercepted at Barr Lake, Blue Mesa, Boulder Marine, Boulder Reservoir, Boyd Lake, Canon Marine, Carter, Cherry Creek, Chatfield, Clear Creek, Crawford, Denver CPW Office, Dillon, Electra Lake, Eleven Mile, Frisco Bay Marina, Granby, Grand Lake, Grand Junction CPW Office, Great Lakes Marine, Green Mountain, Highline, Horsetooth, Jackson, John Martin, Zebra and Quagga Mussel Positive Interdiction Sites in Colorado Lathrop, McPhee, Navajo, North Sterling, Pueblo, Ridgway, Rifle Gap, Roadside (SW Colorado), Ruedi, Shadow Mountain, Spinney Mountain, Stagecoach, Steamboat Lake, Strontia Springs, Sweitzer, Taylor Park, Trinidad, Turquoise, Vallecito, and Williams Fork. Chapter 1: Introduction and State ANS Program Information 13 �Boat Origin for Zebra and Quagga Mussel Positive Interdictions in Colorado WID Quality Control The CPW Quality Control and Field Support Team perform quality control evaluations annually at state certified watercraft inspection and decontamination stations to ensure that standard procedures are being followed, per regulatory requirements in #802-805. The team also ensures that stations are stocked with educational materials and provide on the job training to inspectors and supervisors. The quality control program consists of secret shopper evaluations, announced evaluations, on the job training, and customer service evaluations. State Fish Hatchery Program and Aquatic Biologists To date, invasive mussels have not been identified in a Colorado hatchery. Proactive measures have been put in place statewide to protect hatcheries and state waters from an invasive species introduction. Those measures include Annual Fish Health Inspections, HACCP, Trainings, and Workshops. Statewide preventative measures also include implementation of standardized disinfection protocols for wild spawn, fish transfers, and egg transfers. CPW explored methodologies for 14 disinfection for fish being transported from Pueblo Fish Hatchery despite the hatchery never testing positive for mussels. For wild spawn operations, specialized trailer units have been constructed for all wild fish spawning operations to ensure no ANS are transported. Biologists have decontamination units, and are required to decontaminate work boats and equipment in between each use. CPW ANS Sampling Staff ANS Sampling Crew members are WID Stage II Authorized Agents and are required to fully decontaminate their watercraft, trailer, and gear in between each and every use. They will seal their boats and issue receipts upon completion of the full decontamination. The Invasive Species Program Office supervises the sampling crews and hold them to strict decontamination standards. They are instructed to stop at the inspection stations and provide the inspector their seal receipt. Please work together as a team with them and get the crews on the water fast to conduct ANS sampling, versus wasting ANS dollars by having them sitting in long lines or being re-inspected following a full decontamination. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Western Regional Activities Western state programs are connected and working together to provide more communication and coordination between WID stations. All states in the West now have ANS Programs. Unfortunately, many states are underfunded and understaffed. Education and Outreach Education and Outreach is the MOST important thing! There will never be enough money to have Authorized Agents on all boat ramps all the time. Each inspection is a face-to-face opportunity to educate the boater and change their behavior by teaching them to clean, drain, dry every time they boat. Consistency in messaging is key for boaters to learn Clean, Drain, Dry! The CPW ANS Program trains almost 800 individuals per year, and it is the inspector’s job to train the 85,000+ registered Colorado boaters through repeated face-to-face educational contacts on the boat ramps while doing 480,000+ inspections per year. There are many educational tools to help you. Spend time learning the text of CPW provided brochures and signage so that all Agents provide consistent information to the public. Provide a ‘Boaters Guide to ANS Inspections’ brochures immediately upon making contact with the boat operator. There are also handouts on specific topics, rack cards for anglers and divers, youth materials, and standard signage available. Display mussel props on busy weekends and show them to boaters. WID Supervisors Meeting January 2020 Chapter 1: Introduction and State ANS Program Information 15 �Chapter 1 Review Questions 1. What are Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)? ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What two ANS is Colorado the most concerned about? ______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. The mission of the CPW Invasive Species Program is to protect wildlife, natural resources, recreation, infrastructure, agriculture and the economy by: a. Preventing the introduction of ZQM and other invasive species b. Containing current infestations/introductions c. Stopping the spread of invaders to new waters d. All of the above 4. The ANS regulations require mandatory watercraft inspection and decontamination, if necessary, of watercraft that: 1.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 3.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 4.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Fill in the blank next to the following definitions with the letter of the corresponding classification. A. Inconclusive B. Positive C. Suspect D. Infested E. Negative ____ Testing is ongoing and no evidence of Dreissena mussels has been discovered. ____ eDNA detection with no confirmation (one hit wonder). ____ One verified detection of mussel veliger or adults. ____ More than one verified detection of mussel veliger or adults. ____ A reproducing and recruiting population of mussels is established. 6. Why is education the most important aspect of being an inspector? a. So that boaters learn to keep their boats and equipment clean, drained, and dry, and do it themselves without inspectors every single time. b. Because the state cannot put inspectors on all of the reservoirs in Colorado all the time. c. The best way to change a behavior is through education. d. All of the above 16 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �7. CPW operates all of the WID stations in Colorado. (circle one) True or False 8. Which Colorado fish hatcheries have tested positive for mussel veligers? a. Leadville National Hatchery b. Mt. Shavano Hatchery c. Pueblo Hatchery d. No hatcheries in Colorado have ever tested positive for invasive mussels. 9. Name the four types of WIDS: 1.) _______________________________________ 2.) _______________________________________ 3.) _______________________________________ 4.) _______________________________________ 10. How many invasive mussel boats have been intercepted since 2009? ____________ 11. Which waterbody in Colorado is positive for quagga mussels in 2020? a. Ridgway Reservoir b. Tarryall Reservoir c. Pueblo Reservoir d. Green Mountain Reservoir e. Cherry Creek Reservoir f. None of the Above 12. Which waterbody in Colorado is suspect for quagga mussels in 2020? a. Ridgway Reservoir b. Tarryall Reservoir c. Pueblo Reservoir d. Green Mountain Reservoir e. Cherry Creek Reservoir f. None of the Above 13. How many waters in Colorado are positive for zebra mussels? a. 7 b. 8 c. 1 d. 0 e. 5 Continued on page 18 Chapter 1: Introduction and State ANS Program Information 17 �14. Fill in the blanks below regarding state protocols to positively identify mussels. a. Veligers—the following tests must be on the same sampler. • ___________________ (visual ID of an animal) • PCR (genetic or molecular identification of the species) • Gene Sequencing (genetic or molecular confirmation of the species) b. Settlers—Taxonomic identification by ____ independent expert(s) c. Adults—Taxonomic identification by ____ independent expert(s) 15. How many years of negative testing does it take to de-list a suspect reservoir? _______ 16. How many years of negative testing does it take to de-list a positive reservoir? _______ 17. It is the inspector’s job to educate every boater and customer about how they can help to prevent invasive species? (circle one) True or False 18. What are the three reasons that decontaminations are increasing? 1.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 3.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 19. What reservoir are the majority of infested mussel boats coming from? _______________________________ 20. Please describe why you think it is important to prevent the introduction of zebra or quagga mussels, and other ANS, into Colorado’s waters. ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Notes _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ 18 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Chapter 2 Zebra and Quagga Mussel Biology cpw.state.co.us Chapter 2: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Biology 19 ��Chapter 2: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Biology It is important to understand the biology and ecology to answer questions from the public and partner agencies and to be best equipped to find ZQM attached to watercraft or equipment. The Colorado program is grounded in the biology of this species. • For example, all watercraft must be cleaned (to prevent moving adults or settlers), drained and dry (to prevent moving veligers in water). • Another example is how Colorado performs early detection for mussels in Colorado (plankton tows for veligers, substrates for settlers and shoreline surveys for adults). • We know that mussels can be light sensitive and begin establishment in the depths of the water where we physically can’t get to. Therefore, efforts are prioritized to detect veligers in the water column with the goal of detecting the introduction, and not the invasion that happens years later. This enables managers to contain the spread to other waters by hitchhiking on, or in watercraft. Zebra Mussel DEFINITIONS: Benthic—Refers to the bottom of a water body. Byssal threads—A spider-web like appendage that enables the zebra or quagga mussels to attach to surfaces. Native species do not have byssal threads. Dreissenids—A term referring to all species in the genus Dreissenid which includes zebra and quagga mussels. Exotic—An exotic species is a species that is not native to a given environment. Exotic species often invade an ecosystem displacing or destroying the native plants and animals. Macrophytes—An aquatic plant, large enough to be seen by the naked eye. Maturation—The action or process of maturing. Metamorphosis—The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. Non-Native/Non-Indigenous—A species that has been introduced to a new environment, either intentionally or unintentionally. It is out of its native range. Phytoplankton—Plankton consisting of microscopic plants in water. Water Column—The concept of the entire water depth of a water body, from its bottom (benthic zone) to the water surface. Quagga Mussel Zooplankton—Plankton consisting of microscopic animals in water. © lauren livo and steve wilcox Actual Size © u.s. geological survey Chapter 2: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Biology 21 �© LEIGH ANNE MCCONNAUGHEY Quagga Mussel Zebra Mussel Identification Quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) and zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are small freshwater bivalve mollusks (animals with two shells). They are relatives of clams and oysters. It is very difficult for a non-expert to tell the two species apart. The shell color of both mussels alternate between a yellowish and darker brown, often forming stripes. Color patterns are highly variable and can be attributed to environmental factors. They range in size from microscopic up to about two inches long. Several diagnostic features aid in identification. Quagga mussels have a rounded angle, or carina, between the ventral and dorsal surfaces. They also have a convex ventral side that can sometimes be distinguished by placing the shells on a flat surface. The quagga mussel will topple over when stood on its ventral side, whereas a zebra mussel will not topple due to its triangular shape. Quagga mussels also have a small byssal grove on the ventral side near the hinge. They also have asymmetrical valves when viewed from the front or ventral side. Unlike native North American freshwater mussels, which burrow in soft sediment, adult zebra and quagga mussels can attach to most hard and semi-soft surfaces via tiny threads called byssal threads. Native species do NOT have byssal threads! These byssal threads are one of three main invasive characteristics that give zebra and quagga mussels an advantage over natives, along with rapid reproduction and their ability to filter feed at amazing rates. 22 © brad Henley Ecology of Zebra and Quagga Mussels Both zebra and quagga mussels can survive cold waters, but cannot tolerate freezing. They can endure temperatures between 1º–30ºC (33º–86ºF). Zebra mussels need waters above 12ºC (54ºF) to reproduce, while quagga mussels can reproduce in waters as cold as 9ºC (48ºF). Adult mussels are light sensitive and prefer to live in water around 200 to 300+ feet deep. They are able to thrive in a wide range of conditions including oxygen-depleted water. Life Cycle It is important that inspectors understand the life cycle of ZQM because the inspection, decontamination, and sampling protocols are based on their biology. ZQM have three life stages; (1) veliger, (2) settler and (3) adult. 1. The embryos are microscopic larvae, called veligers. They are free-floating plankton in the water column and impossible © U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to see with the naked eye. The veligers float in the water column or are carried in the current for about four to eight weeks. 2. The veligers undergo metamorphosis and develop shells while settling out of the water column onto a solid surface (which could include a grain Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �of sand or the skin or shells of native aquatic species). This juvenile form of the mussel is known as the settler stage. At this point in their life cycle, they settle into the deep benthic zone of the water column. 3. Upon maturation, adult mussels become sessile, meaning fixed in one place or immobile. They are attached semi-permanently with their byssal threads. Adult mussels typically form dense clusters in which they pile up on top of each other essentially smothering the generation beneath them. Their typical lifespan is four to five years. Where Do Mussels Like to Hide? • • • • • Dark Places Rough Surfaces Right Angles Shaded Spaces Moist Places Where Did They Come From? Zebra mussels are native to the Black, Caspian, and Azov Seas of Eastern Europe. They were discovered in the Great Lakes in Lake St. Clair in 1988 and have since spread to 31 states in the United States. Quagga mussels are native to the Dnieper River Drainage in the Ukraine. They were discovered first in the Great Lakes in the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario in 1989 and have since spread to 27 states in the United States. Zebra Quagga and Zebra © Glen Black ships. Another method of dispersal from Europe to the United States is through the transportation of attached mature adults on anchors stored internally in compartments on transoceanic vessels. Aquatic nuisance species often hitch rides to other bodies of water on the boats, trailers, and equipment that people transport from place to place. Boaters and anglers can inadvertently transport ANS on waders and in bait buckets and live wells. Zebra and quagga mussels likely made their way to the Western USA on trailered recreational watercraft. The first discovery west of the 100th Meridian was in Lake Mead. The invasive quagga mussels found in Lake Mead in 2007 were 1,000 miles farther west than any other known colony of quagga mussels at the time. The primary method of overland dispersal of these mussels is through human-related activities, especially trailered watercraft. Given their ability to attach to hard surfaces and survive out of water for extended periods [30 days!], many infestations have occurred by adult mussels hitching rides on watercraft. The microscopic larvae also can be transported in bilges, ballast water, live wells, or any other equipment that holds water. Where Are Mussels in Colorado? The are NO positive waters for zebra or quagga mussels in Colorado! How Did They Get Here? Green Mountain Reservoir is considered “suspect” for quagga mussels. Many aquatic nuisance species, including zebra and quagga mussels, were introduced into the Great Lakes in the discharged ballast water of ocean-going Chapter 2: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Biology 23 �History of Zebra and Quagga Mussels in Colorado There has never been an adult zebra or quagga mussel found in a Colorado water body. However, the larval stage of the mussels, known as veligers, were detected in several waters in the past. Most recently in August 2017, quagga mussel veligers were identified at Green Mountain Reservoir by the Bureau of Reclamation through microscopic analysis of water samples and subsequently positively identified using DNA testing. CPW confirmed the federal results through genetic testing at an independent laboratory. It is unknown if the veligers were dead or alive at the time of detection. Upon confirmation, CPW increased monitoring at the reservoir, deployed a scuba dive team, and worked with the Heeney Marina to implement WID containment procedures. The site team was gathered to further determine actions necessary for containment and rapid response was initiated. 24 Colorado follows the western regional standards for listing and de-listing water bodies for zebra and quagga mussels, as documented in the Western Regional Panel’s Building Consensus in the West Workgroup: Final Summary Report 2011–2019. Per this standard, Green Mountain Reservoir is currently listed as a SUSPECT reservoir for quagga mussels. A suspect reservoir requires three years of negative testing to be de-listed to negative. There were no new detections in 2018 or 2019. CPW intends to delist Green Mountain in January 2021 pending no positive results in 2020. If another veliger or an adult be detected and confirmed through both microscopy and genetic analysis by two independent laboratories, the reservoir status will be upgraded to positive. A positive reservoir requires five years of negative testing to be de-listed to negative. If a reproducing adult population is found, the reservoir will be listed as infested. It is unlikely that an infested reservoir would ever be de-listed, but standards allow for this with five years of negative testing following a successful Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �eradication event. There are currently no known treatments for eradication in an open water system making de-listing impossible for infested waters. Previous Detections of Zebra and Quagga Mussels in Colorado: Pueblo Reservoir tested positive for zebra and quagga mussel veligers in 2007 and for quagga mussel veligers in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. Grand Lake tested positive for one zebra mussel and one quagga mussel veliger in 2008. There have been no verified detections at Grand Lake since 2008. Granby Reservoir, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Willow Creek Reservoir, Tarryall Reservoir, and Jumbo Reservoir all tested positive for one quagga mussel veliger in 2008. There have been no verified detections at any of these waters since 2008. Blue Mesa Reservoir tested positive for quagga mussel eDNA in 2009, 2011 and 2012. De-Listing Positive Waters: Pueblo Reservoir was de-listed for quagga mussels in January 2017 following five years of negative results. Pueblo Reservoir was de-listed for zebra mussels in January 2014, along with the de-listing of Granby, Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain, Willow Creek, Tarryall, Jumbo, and Blue Mesa. Green Mountain will be delisted in January 2021, if no further detections occur in 2020. Impacts Zebra and quagga mussels pose a great ecological and financial threat to the state. The invasion of these mussels can affect every Coloradoan and visitor in some way with devastating impacts. Why Be Concerned? • Ecological Impacts • Recreational Impacts • Economic Impacts • Social Impacts • Industrial Impacts • Agricultural Impacts Invasive Characteristic #1 Prolific Reproduction—Zebra and quagga mussels reproduce exponentially. They can spawn year-round if conditions are favorable. A single female mussel can produce up to one million eggs a year! If only ten percent of the offspring survive, there would be ten septillion mussels in the waterway at the end of five years! As the mussel population explodes, they cover the bottom and sides of a waterway. Invasive Characteristic #2 Byssal Threads—As mentioned before, zebra and quagga mussels can attach via byssal threads to any stable substrate in the water column such as rocks, aquatic plants, artificial surfaces (cement, steel, rope, etc.), crayfish, native clams, and other mollusks. They attach to most underwater structures and can form dense clusters that impair facilities and impede the flow of water. They clog intake pipes and trash screens, canals, aqueducts, and dams—disrupting water supply to homes, farms, factories, and power plants. Zebra and quagga mussels also degrade water quality and can alter the taste and smell of drinking water. Invasive Characteristic #3 Filter Feeding—Ecological Impacts—Invasive species have the ability to change aquatic ecosystems and native plant and animal communities. As filter feeders, these species remove large amounts of microscopic plants and animals that form the base of the food chain, leaving little or nothing for native aquatic species. The amount of food the mussels eat and the waste they produce has life-altering effects on the ecosystem and can harm fisheries. ZQM attach to and encrust native organisms, essentially smothering them and removing them from the food chain. Zebra and quagga mussels are one of the few species that have the ability to crash the entire food web by removing the base of the food chain—plankton— and by smothering benthic organisms that are a source of food for larger fish. © David Britton Chapter 2: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Biology 25 �Zebra and quagga mussels are able to remove substantial amounts of phytoplankton and suspended particulate from the water. Each mussel can filter over a liter of water per day. They decrease the availability of food for smaller life forms, which in turn increases water clarity, elevating the amount of light penetration causing an increase in vegetation and a shift in species dominance, which potentially alters the entire ecosystem permanently. © PHILIP MYERS, ANIMAL DIVERSITY WEB (http://animaldiversity.org) © peter yates Filter feeders reject unwanted mucous covered food from their body known as pseudofeces. Pseudofeces accumulate and create an unsuitable environment. As waste from the mussels decomposes, oxygen availability is depleted, and the pH becomes very acidic causing toxic byproducts to be produced. The accumulation of organic pollutants within the tissue of the mussel is passed up the food chain, causing increased exposure by wildlife. Recreational impacts. Invasive mussels encrust docks and boats. Attachment of mussels can cause corrosion of steel and concrete affecting its structural integrity. Attached mussels increase drag on boats and can even sink navigational buoys with their weight. Veligers or settlers can get sucked up into the engine cooling system and clog the engine from the inside causing it to overheat and be damaged. Increased hull and motor fouling will result in increased maintenance costs on vessels moored for long periods of time. Zebra and quagga mussels also impact fish populations and reduce sport-fishing opportunities. Their sharp shells can cut the feet of unsuspecting swimmers and beach goers. Economic impacts. As maintenance costs for power plants, water treatment facilities and water delivery infrastructures increase following a mussel infestation, so does the cost of food and utilities. In the Great Lakes area, maintenance costs for water treatment plants, power 26 plant intakes and dams have been in the billions of dollars. The destruction of native fisheries causes a wider economic losses in terms of tourism and recreation dollars not spent. Marinas and watercraft dealers could suffer business declines. Management The eradication of zebra mussels first occurred in a closed, isolated 12-acre quarry in Virginia in the 90s. A large volume of potassium chloride chemical was used to treat the water and kill the adults and larvae. More recently, the Department of Defense attempted eradication in 2010 at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. However, the treatment in Offutt was not successful. Eradicating or treating zebra or quagga mussels in large water bodies and/or connected waterways may not be possible because current treatments would also kill other aquatic life forms. New tools are being developed and tested. As of today, there are no viable, costeffective, and environmentally friendly control mechanisms available for open water systems. Therefore, prevention is very important. If watercraft are cleaned, drained, and dried in between water bodies, the risk of transporting attached mussels or other ANS will be eliminated. The rapid invasion of United States waterways has been attributed to the mussel’s ability to disperse during all stages of its life. Mussels can spread to other bodies of water by attaching to watercraft hulls and anchors, trailers, and fishing equipment. Larvae can be transported in bilge water, ballast water or live bait wells. Mussel larvae also disperse naturally, and can be carried by water currents to other lakes or reservoirs downstream or through water diversions. Since there are no viable control methods once mussels are introduced in open water bodies, prevention is our only defense. As a watercraft inspector, your most important task is educating the public both coming into and exiting your lake or reservoir. Many lakes and reservoirs in the state will not have inspections, therefore, it is essential that you: 1. Show the boaters how to inspect their boats themselves. 2. Explain why inspection is critical to find mussels and other ANS. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �3. Impress on the boater how zebra and quagga mussels damage boats, ruin fishing opportunities, harm the environment and impair water infrastructure. You need to drive home the primary educational message to Clean/Drain/Dry and explain why boaters need to do it each time they use their craft. Teaching boaters and anglers to clean, drain, dry their boats and gears themselves in between each and every launch is invaluable! If boaters and anglers do this, mussels will not spread! © GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY Outdoor Session—How Many Mussels Can You Find? List the names of locations you find mussels on the watercraft. ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Chapter 2: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Biology 27 �Chapter 2 Review Questions 1. Why is it important to learn ZQM biology? ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Which are the three characteristics of zebra and quagga mussels that make them invasive? a. Grow larger than most other mollusks, reproduce quickly, clear the water b. Attach with byssal threads, rapid reproduction, filter feeding c. Alter water chemistry, attach with byssal threads d. Feed on aquatic weed beds and reduce native plant communities, attach with byssal threads, prolific or rapid reproduction 3. The larval life stage of a mussel in which they are a free‐floating planktonic organism is called a _______________. These juveniles then begin to develop shells and attach to solid surfaces which is known as the _______________ stage. Upon maturation, _______________ mussels are sessile, meaning fixed in one place or immobile. 4. In addition to ecological impacts ZQM and other ANS cause major ______________ and ______________ impacts to the state. 5. Because many lakes and reservoirs in the state will not have inspections, it is essential to: a. Show the boaters how to inspect their boats themselves b. Explain why inspection is critical to find mussel settlers and other ANS c. Impress on the boater how zebra and quagga mussels damage boats, ruin fishing opportunities, harm the environment and impair water infrastructure d. All of the above 6. Where do mussels like to hide on watercraft? ______________ angles, ______________ or ________________ places. ______________ surfaces. 7. Mussel veligers are microscopic and can be transported in standing water. (circle one) True or False 8. What is the primary message we want boaters to learn? ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ 28 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Chapter 3 Other ANS Biology cpw.state.co.us Chapter 3: Other ANS Biology 29 ��Chapter 3: Other ANS Biology As you learned in the introduction module, there are many species of aquatic plants and animals that are invasive. The watercraft inspection and decontamination program prevents ANS from being introduced into new waters. Boat inspectors have detected New Zealand mudsnails, Eurasian watermilfoil, and rusty crayfish in the past. While zebra and quagga mussels are the highest priority, this program is aimed at protecting the state’s resources from all invaders being transported on watercraft. CPW developed and published the Aquatic Nuisance Species Pocket Guide in partnership with the Colorado Department of Agriculture. This booklet combines the various prohibited species lists into a single book that instructs the reader how to report the species if they were to find it. • Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM)— An invasive aquatic plant known to many Front Range locations, Navajo Reservoir, and the Rio Grande. The Colorado Dept. of Agriculture requires management per the State Weed Act and Rules. • New Zealand Mudsnails (NZMS)—First detected in Colorado in 2004. NZMS continue to be found in new locations annually, including recent detections in the Gunnison River, Fourmile Canyon Creek, Lake Capote, Monument Lake, Trinidad Lake, and the Uncompahgre River. • Rusty Crayfish—There are four known locations statewide. Regulation prohibits the live transport from positive locations, in addition to all waters west of the Continental Divide where there are no native crayfish. There were no new detections of rusty crayfish in recent years. Chapter 3: Other ANS Biology 31 �Asian Clams (Corbicula fluminea) A Zebra/Quagga Mussel “Look‐a‐Like” Invader Pathway of Introduction and Spread: Corbicula fluminea is used in Asia as a food source and may have been cultivated in the United States. It is also used for fish bait, which is probably another way it has been spread throughout North America. It is sold in the aquarium trade as “pygmy clam”, or “golden clam.” Asian clams are small non‐native bivalves that are commonly mistaken for zebra and quagga mussels in Colorado. They are often observed littering the beaches with expansive shells, and therefore are commonly confused with zebra or quagga mussels. Its shells have striations (or ridges) which give it the appearance of having stripes. Impacts: The Asian clam invasion in North America has created problems for power plants and water canals because large numbers of clams block water intake valves. They also compete with native bivalves for food, and competition increases as Asian clam populations explode. Asian Clams • Ridges or Striations on Shells • Does Not Have Byssal Threads Zebra or Quagga Mussels • Smooth Shells with Stripes or Colorations • Has Byssal Threads Identification: Adults can reach 50 to 65 mm in length, although 25 mm is typical. Shell is oval, but not elongated, and is deep on the hinge side. The outer layer of shell has well defined, thick growth rings and varied coloration. Older clams have a darker colored shell, while younger clams are lighter brown or tan. Habitat: They prefer fast moving water because currents provide food for these suspension feeders. However, they are commonly found on the shorelines of lakes and reservoirs. Asian Clam 32 Current Status in Colorado: Corbicula has experienced great success in North America and is moving through Colorado rapidly. Asian clams were first detected in the South Platte River in Colorado in 1993 and have since expanded their range to include the Arkansas River, Gunnison River, San Juan River and Colorado River basins (Cordeiro et al, 2007). Asian Clam Quagga Mussel Zebra Mussel Quagga Mussel Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �New Zealand mudsnails (NZMS) are small aquatic snails native to fresh waters of New Zealand. They were first discovered in North America in the late 1980s in the Snake River, Idaho and Madison River, Montana. Identification: NZMS range in size from a grain of sand to 1⁄8 inch in length and are black or brown in color. The shell has about 51⁄2 spirals. If the shell is held tip up with the opening toward you, the opening is on the right. There is an attached operculum (cover) which can close off the opening. Habitat: Found in freshwater, brackish, or saline waters with almost any substrate. Populations in saline conditions produce fewer offspring and grow more slowly. Also tolerates a wide range of temperatures, ranging from near freezing to 82°F. Pathway of Introduction and Spread: New Zealand mudsnails are spread into new river systems primarily by humans, although they can be carried on the feet of dogs and wildlife. Anglers, boaters, researchers, and others can carry NZMS to uninfested locations on their boots and gear. They can survive up to 50 days on a damp surface, giving them ample time to be transferred from one body of water to another on fishing gear. Impacts: NZMS compete with native invertebrates, including native mollusks, for space and food resources. NZMS may reduce the availability of native invertebrate prey for fish—particularly mayflies, caddis flies, and chironomids. They are not a viable food sources themselves because their hard shell allows them to pass through a fish gut unharmed. Current Status in Colorado (See Map): Known populations have been mapped and are being monitored for long‐term impacts. There are no viable control methods. New Zealand Mudsnail Distribution for 2020 Chapter 3: Other ANS Biology 33 © photo by michigan department of environmental quality New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) �© photo by michigan department of environmental quality Rusty Crayfish (Faxonius rusticus or Orconectes rusticus) Rusty crayfish are native to the Ohio River Basin. They were first discovered outside of their native range in the 1960s. Identification: Rusty crayfish grow up to five inches long. They have brown bodies and large grayish‐green to reddish‐brown claws with dark black bands on the tips. There are two rusty patches on either side of the crayfish’s body. The claws, when closed, have an oval gap in the middle. The moveable claw is smooth and S‐ shaped. Males tend to be larger than females. Habitat: Found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. Prefer deep pools and fast currents with cover from predators. Pathway of Introduction and Spread: Introduced by anglers who use the crayfish as bait and throw unused bait into the water and illegally stocked as a prey base for a fishery. Although they are often introduced as bait, they do not make good bait due to their aggressive nature. Impacts: Rusty crayfish eat small fish, insects, and fish eggs. They also eat aquatic vegetation, damaging underwater habitat that is important for fish spawning, cover, and food. They are aggressive and displace native crayfish. Current Status in Colorado (See Map): Rusty crayfish was first detected in Colorado in the Yampa River and Catamount Reservoir in 2009, in Sanchez State Wildlife Area in 2010, and in Stagecoach Reservoir State Park in 2011. Populations have been controlled through mechanical and physical harvesting. Rusty Crayfish Distribution for 2020 34 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures © www.mdinvasivesp.org �Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) Eurasian watermilfoil is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It was once commonly sold as an aquarium plant and was introduced to the eastern U.S. at least as long ago as the 1940s, but it may have arrived as early as the late 1800s. Identification: Eurasian watermilfoil is a submerged, rooted perennial with long, branching stems and soft feathery leaves attached in whorls of four. Each leaf has 12 to 21 pairs of leaflets, which are closely spaced, and about 1⁄2 inch long. Eurasian watermilfoil produces small yellow, four‐parted flowers on a spike that projects two to four inches above the water surface. Habitat: Tolerates a wide range of water conditions and depths; prefers nutrient‐rich substrate. Pathway of Introduction and Spread: Eurasian watermilfoil reproduces by seeds, fragmentation, and winter buds. Fragmentation and winter buds are believed to be more important in spreading the plant. Any plant fragment can start a new infestation. Winter buds are tight leaf clusters that break off and fall to the bottom, where they overwinter. In the spring, the buds grow and form new plants. Impacts: Eurasian watermilfoil forms dense mats that restrict swimming, fishing, and boating, and clog water intakes. The mats alters water chemistry by choking and shading out other native aquatic plants. The decaying plants decrease oxygen levels in the water and foul lakeside beaches. This disrupts the food chain and destroys habitat and food needed by fish and birds. Eurasian watermilfoil slows the flow of water in irrigation ditches and canals and creates standing water that is ideal mosquito habitat. Current Status in Colorado (See Map): EWM was first documented in the Rio Grande River in the late 1990’s, in the City of Westminster in 1999, and Boulder Creek in 2004. Since that time, EWM has spread throughout much of the South Platte, Arkansas, and Rio Grande River Basins. EWM is also known to Navajo Reservoir. Unfortunately, EWM is detected in new locations almost every year. Eurasian Watermilfoil Distribution for 2020 Chapter 3: Other ANS Biology 35 �Brazilian egeria’s native range includes some of the regions of Brazil to coastal areas of Argentina and Uruguay. It was initially introduced by the aquarium and water garden industry. It was sold for its oxygenation capabilities and for its attractive flowers. It currently is the top-selling aquatic plant for use in aquaria and has been sold under several names including egeria, oxygenating plant, and anacharis. Identification: Brazilian elodea is a submerged perennial that can reach lengths of six feet. This plant can live rooted or free floating at depths of up to 20 feet. It has bright green leaves in whorls of four around each node on the stem. Each leaf is up to 11⁄4 inches long with a linear oblong shape and the margins of the leaf are very finely toothed, visible only with a hand lens. The flowers of Brazilian egeria have three white petals and three green sepals. The flowers emerge above the water on long stalks. Brazilian egeria is easily confused with another exotic weed, Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). Hydrilla will have rough teeth on the underside of the leaves where Brazilian egeria will not. Habitat: Found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. Prefer deep pools and fast currents with cover from predators. Pathway of Introduction and Spread: Fragmented pieces of Brazilian egeria that have double nodes can produce a new plant. It has been found as a contaminant in nursery stock. It is extensively sold in the aquarium industry. If people dispose of these plants into open water, it can create a new infestation. Boaters, anglers, and other water recreationists can transport fragments from one body of water to another. Impacts: Brazilian egeria creates dense mats that crowd out native plants. Mats can impede boating, fishing, swimming, and other aquatic recreation activities. The mats are Brazilian Egeria Distribution for 2020 unsightly, restrict water movement, trap sediment, impair water quality, and degrade fish habitat. The fragmented pieces can clog water intake pipes and other water delivery infrastructure. Current Status in Colorado (See Map): Brazilian egeria is a relatively new species to Colorado and is known to only three locations: Jefferson Lake, Spinney Mountain Reservoir, and the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District’s North Treatment Ponds in Brighton, Colorado. 36 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures © Virginia Tech Weed ID Guide Brazilian egeria (Egeria densa) �List of WID Stations with Known ANS WID Location (alphabetical order) ANS Present Arvada Reservoir Eurasian Watermilfoil Chatfield Reservoir NZMS, Eurasian Watermilfoil Cherry Creek Reservoir Hybrid Eurasian Watermilfoil Elevenmile Reservoir NZMS, Eurasian Watermilfoil Green Mountain Reservoir Quagga Mussel (SUSPECT) Lathrop State Park (Horseshoe & Martin Reservoirs) Eurasian Watermilfoil Navajo Reservoir Eurasian Watermilfoil Pueblo Reservoir Eurasian Watermilfoil Spinney Mountain Reservoir NZMS, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Brazilian egeria Stagecoach Reservoir Rusty Crayfish Standley Lake Eurasian Watermilfoil Trinidad Lake NZMS All ANS Distribution for 2020 Chapter 3: Other ANS Biology 37 �Chapter 3 Review Questions 1. The Asian Clam is a look‐a‐like invasive species that is fairly common in Colorado. What are two characteristics that make it different than ZQM? 1.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Which group lists other ANS of concern for transportation overland on recreational watercraft? a. Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Pondweed, Brown Trout b. Eurasian watermilfoil, Rusty Crayfish, New Zealand Mudsnails c. Boreal Toad, Round Goby, Rusty Crayfish, Arkansas River Darter d. Northern watermilfoil, Bullfrog, Boreal Toad, Purple Loosestrife 3. Where is the transportation of live crayfish prohibited? ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. List ways that people commonly spread New Zealand mudsnails. ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Which location is positive for New Zealand Mudsnails? a. Vallecito Reservoir b. Navajo Reservoir c. Trinidad Lake d. Jackson Lake 6. Rusty Crayfish make good prey for fish. (circle one) True or False 7. Eurasian watermilfoil _________________ can spread on boats and infest new waters—which is why it’s important that boats leaving EWM positive waters get inspected and don’t transport plant parts. 8. This aquatic invasive plant was recently detected in Colorado and has a white flower on an elongated stalk. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 38 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Chapter 4 Watercraft 101 cpw.state.co.us Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 39 ��Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 Boat Terminology The following definitions are the most common terms you will need to know as an inspector. aft—A nautical term that refers to the rear or stern of the boat. anchor storage—An interior compartment area on the boat, typically in the bow of the boat, where the anchor is stored. bait well—An interior compartment that specifically holds live aquatic bait. Sometimes it is a separate container on the boat or incorporated in the live well compartment. May also be a pull out bucket. ballast tank—A compartment within a boat, ship or other floating structure that holds water. Adding water (ballast) to a vessel lowers its center of gravity and increases the draft of the vessel. A ballast tank can be filled or emptied in order to adjust the amount of ballast force. Small sailboats designed to be lightweight for being pulled behind automobiles on trailers are often designed with ballast tanks that can be emptied when the boat is removed from the lake or reservoir. bilge—The lowest compartment on a boat where the two sides meet at the keel. The word is sometimes also used to describe the water that collects in this compartment. Water that does not drain off the side of the deck drains down through the boat into the bilge. bilge plug—A plug located either on the transom wall or in the bottom of the hull that keeps lake water from entering the boat. It must be removed when exiting the water body. bilge pump—A water pump used to remove excessive bilge water. The water that collects in the bilge must be pumped out to prevent the bilge from becoming too full and threatening to sink the boat on the lake or reservoir. bow—A nautical term that refers to the forward part of the hull of a boat. cavitation plate—A flat metal fitting mounted horizontally above the propeller of an outboard motor, which helps direct the flow of water into the propeller and reduces cavitation. Cavitation is the effect caused when air is drawn down into the water by a propeller, resulting in loss of power, overspending of the engine and propeller, and pitting of the metal surfaces of the propeller. centerboard—A retractable keel which pivots out of a slot in the hull of a sailboat, known as a centerboard trunk. A centerboard is used to provide lift to counter the lateral force from the sails. complex boat—A boat that has one or more interior compartments or a closed hull or more than one motor. Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 41 �daggerboard—A retractable keel used by various sailing craft. While other types of centerboard may pivot to retract, a daggerboard slides in a casing. The shape of the daggerboard converts the forward motion into a windward lift, countering the leeward push of the sail. fish box—An interior compartment in a boat where fish are kept. gimbal—A pivoted support that allows the rotation (up and down and side to side movement) of the outdrive of an I/O engine and outboard motor. hull—The body or frame of a boat. inboard engine—A marine propulsion system enclosed within the hull of the boat. inboard/outboard engine—(I/O) is located inboard just forward of the transom (stern) and provides power to © WWW.BOATPARTSTORE.COM the drive unit located outside the hull. jet boat—A boat propelled by a jet of water ejected from the back of the craft. A jet boat draws the water from under the boat into a pump inside the boat, and then expels it through a nozzle at the stern. keel—Runs in the middle of the boat, from the bow to the stern, and serves as the foundation or spine of the structure, providing the major source of structural strength of the hull. Keels are different from centerboards and other types of foils in that keels are made of heavy materials to provide ballast to stabilize the boat. Keels may be fixed, or non-movable or they may retract to allow sailing in shallow waters. live well—An interior compartment found on many fishing boats that is used to keep caught fish alive. It works by pumping fresh water from the water body into the tank, as well as keeping the water aerated. live well pump—A pump that assists in filling a live well with lake water. lower unit—The bottom portion of an outboard motor or an inboard/outboard engine. The water found in this portion is lake water that has not been heated by the motor/engine. This drive unit (or lower unit or outdrive) resembles the bottom half of an outboard motor. © WEN BALDWIN 42 macerator pumps—Pumps designed to empty holding tanks when fitted onto the plumbing in boats. The function of the pump is to suction the solids and liquids from the lines connected to the holding tanks and grind the effluent with the rotating cutter head down to a small particle size and discharge the waste. outboard motor—A propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes engine, gearbox, and propeller. It is designed to be affixed to the outside of the Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �transom and is the most common motorized method of propelling small watercraft. As well as providing propulsion, outboards provide steering control, as they are designed to pivot over the gimbal (mounting bracket) and control the direction of the thrust. The skeg also acts as a rudder when the engine is not running. sailboat—A boat propelled partially or wholly by sail. sea strainer—A filtration device used to prevent solids from reaching internal compartments, such as pumps on engines or ballast tanks. simple boat—A boat with an open hull, no containers or compartments and a single outboard motor. skeg—A support at the bottom of a rudder. starboard—A nautical term that refers to the right side of the boat as perceived by a person who is in the boat facing the bow. © STATE OF COLORADO IDS DESIGN pitot tube—A pressure measurement instrument used to measure the velocity of a boat at a given point and is usually attached to the transom. port—A nautical term that refers to the left side of the boat as perceived by a person who is in the boat facing the bow. PWC—Personal Water Craft: A recreational watercraft that the user sits or stands on, rather than inside of, as in a boat. Models have © florida marine guide an inboard engine driving a jet pump that has a screw-shaped impeller to create thrust for propulsion and steering. rudder—A device used to steer a boat when moving through water. A rudder operates by redirecting water that has passed the hull, imparting a turning motion to the craft. stern—The rear or aft-most part of a boat. transducer—An instrument that projects a sound wave into the water. When the wave strikes something such as a fish, it is reflected back and displays size, composition, and shape of the object on a screen inside the boat. transom—The surface that forms the flat back panel of the stern of a boat. transom well—A recessed area where water collects that is formed by the transom. Good examples of this include the stern of a pontoon boat or the area where an outboard motor is attached. trim tabs—The small surfaces (shelves) that are connected to the transom on a boat mostly found on cruisers, sport fishing boats, and center console boats ranging from 20 feet and up. © boatcourse.com Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 43 �Marine Propulsion Systems The purpose of this section is to inform the boat inspector about the propulsion systems that are used to power watercraft. There are electric and gas trolling motors, outboard motors, inboard/outboard engines (I/O), inboard engines, and jet drives in jet boats and PWCs. Trolling Motors An electric trolling motor is a marine propulsion system consisting of a self-contained unit that includes an electric motor, propeller and controls, and is affixed to a boat, either at the bow or stern. Gasoline Trolling Motor Electric Trolling Motor © wikipedia 44 A gasoline-powered outboard, if it is not the vessel’s primary source of propulsion, may also be referred to as a gasoline trolling motor. Small outboard motors are frequently used as trolling motors on boats with much larger engines that do not operate as efficiently or quietly at trolling speeds. These typically are designed with a manual pull start system, throttle, and gearshift controls mounted on the body of the motor, and a tiller for steering. Trolling motors are often lifted from the water to reduce drag when the boat’s primary engine is in operation. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �As shown in the first photo, the intakes on some of the gas trolling motors are underneath the cavitation plate. Others are so close to the edge that most muffs do not cover them in order to perform a decontamination, as shown in the second photo. Outboard Motors An outboard motor is a marine propulsion system, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes engine, gearbox, and propeller, designed to be affixed to the outside of the transom. This is the most common motorized method of propelling small watercraft. As well as providing propulsion, outboards provide steering control, as they are designed to pivot over the gimbal (mounting bracket) and control the direction of the thrust. The skeg also acts as a rudder when the engine is not running. The intakes on this Evinrude outboard motor are only on one side and are shown as the small rectangle. Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 45 �Gasoline Trolling Motor This photo shows an outboard motor on a pontoon boat with a back up gas trolling motor. Outboard Motor Inboard/Outboard Engines An inboard/outboard (I/O) engine is located inboard just forward of the transom (stern) and provides power to the drive unit located outside the hull. This drive unit (or lower unit or outdrive) resembles the bottom half of an outboard motor. © WEN BALDWIN The following diagram demonstrates that after an I/O has exited the lake or reservoir there is water in the hose from the water inlet to the engine circulating pump. When the engine is started in another water body, this water goes through the “cold” engine and is expelled into the water. If this water is from a positive reservoir the chance of live veligers being present in the water is very high. © WWW.BOATPARTSTORE.COM 46 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Inboard Engines An inboard engine is a marine propulsion system enclosed within the hull of the boat. Inboard engines have a raw water cooling system where water from the reservoir is pumped by the engine to cool it. Attached to the hull of the boat is the propeller shaft and propeller which propels the boat through the water. The rudder acts as the “steering wheel” to guide the boat. © boatcourse.com After opening the inboard engine compartment, the bilge area around the engine can be inspected and/or decontaminated for standing water. Closed Cooling System Water Flow (Closed Cooled Models)—This diagram shows how water from the reservoir/lake is circulated throughout the engine. As with the I/O, when the boat is exiting the water body, water is left in this system and is expelled into the next water body. © WWW.JUSTANSWER.COM a b c d e f g h i j k l Exhaust Elbow Exhaust Manifold Water Pump Heat Exchanger Water Circulating Pump Thermostat Housing Water Distribution Housing Cool Fuel Box Check Valve Power Steering Cooler Flush Fitting (Inboard Models) Flush Connection (Inboard Models) m Shaft Log Seal Connection Point Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 47 �Jet Boat A jet boat is a boat propelled by a jet of water ejected from the back of the craft. Unlike a powerboat or motorboat that uses a propeller in the water below or behind the boat, a jet boat draws the water from under the boat into a pump inside the boat. The water then passes through a series of impellers and stators— known as stages—which increase the velocity of the water flow. The water is then expelled through a nozzle at the stern. Most modern jets are single stage while older waterjets may have as many as three stages. The tail section of the waterjet unit extends out © WESTWINN GROUP CORP. through the transom of the hull above the waterline. This jet stream exits through a small nozzle at high velocity to push the boat forward. Fill in the blanks with the correct boat terminology 1 2 3 6 8 4 7 48 5 1. ____________________________________ 5. ____________________________________ 2. ____________________________________ 6. ____________________________________ 3. ____________________________________ 7. ____________________________________ 4 . ____________________________________ 8 . ____________________________________ Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �1 1 8 6 2 1 3 2 7 3 5 5 6 4 1. ____________________________________ 5 2. ____________________________________ 2 4 4 7 3 5. ____________________________________ 8 6. ____________________________________ 3. ____________________________________ 7. ____________________________________ 4 . ____________________________________ 8 . (engine type)_________________________ 1. 2. (engine type) 6 3. 1 4. 1. 2 5. 2. (engine type) 3. 3 7. 4. 8. 13 4 5 6. 7 8 Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 1. 5. 49 �Watercraft Risk Assessment There are three main categories of boats: Regulation Exempt Boats • Does not need to be inspected unless they launch from a trailer or have an engine or motor. Simple Boats • Must be inspected. • A boat with an open hull and no containers and compartments and a single outboard motor. Which Watercraft are Exempt from Mandatory Inspections? Regardless of exemption, try to educate all boaters and recreationists about ANS. All watercraft are required to be clean, drained, and dry in between uses. The following 10 types of watercraft are exempt from inspection in Parks Chapter 8 Regulation #800K. These are the only watercraft in Colorado that are exempt from the mandatory inspection law and regulations. All others must be inspected. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Kayak Canoe Raft Belly Boat Windsurfer Board Sailboard Float Tubes Inner Tubes Paddleboard Foldable Plastic Boat Marine propulsion systems must be inspected regardless of the type of motor, engine, or watercraft. They are not exempt. Any trailer that goes into the water must be inspected. Trailers are only exempt when they do not enter water and the watercraft on top of the trailer is one of the exempt hand-launched and hand-powered watercraft listed above. Complex Boats • Must be inspected. • A boat that has one or more interior compartments or a closed hull or more than one motor or engine. 50 What are the reasons for exempting the above 10 types of watercraft from inspection? 1. Hand-launched and hand-powered. 2. Does not have a marine propulsion system. 3. Typically do not have interior water holding compartments. 4. Typically do not stay on the water long = short exposure time. 5. Typically do not stay still on the water = short exposure time. 6. Typically do not anchor or make contact with lake or reservoir bottom. 7. Typically fully dried out before putting in a car or on top of a car for transport. 8. Provides a low-risk access option for boaters and anglers when inspections aren’t present and boat ramps are closed. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Which Watercraft Must be Inspected? If the watercraft is not one of the ten hand-launched and hand-powered exempt boats, it must be inspected. All motors and engines must be inspected. Any trailer that enters the water must be inspected. Where Do We Look? H.E.A.D. is an acronym that can help you remember where to look for mussels on boats during entrance and exit inspections. H E A D = = = = Hull and Trailer Engine or Motor (including Transom) Anchor, Anchor Rope, and Equipment Drain Interior Compartments Watercraft Type Risk Level House Boats, Cabin Cruisers, Ski Boats, and Wakeboard Boats with Ballast Tanks Very High Biological Risk Large Open Boats, Sailboats, Ski Boats, High Biological Wakeboard Boats with no ballast Risk tanks, and Personal Watercraft (PWC) Simple Boats—Open Hull, Single Motors, No Interior Containers or Compartments Medium Biological Risk (#800K) Exempt Watercraft: Canoe, Kayak, Windsurfer Board, Sail Board, Belly Boats, Rafts, Float Tubes, and Inner Tubes Low Biological Risk Outdoor Session—Boat Anatomy Anchor and Equipment Interior Compartments Engine Hull Drain Plug Trailer Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 51 �Boat Type Administration/Agency Boat Exempt Boat Cabin Cruiser Fishing Boat Name That Boat Game House Boat Hunter Jon Boat Other Near each photograph: Personal Watercraft Pontoon A. Circle if the watercraft is exempt, simple, or complex. Sail Boat Simple Boat B. Circle the type of marine propulsion system. Ski Boat C. Label the Boat Type using the key to the right. 52 Wakeboard Boat 1A. Exempt Simple 1B. Outboard I/O 1C. Boat Type: __________________________ 2A. Exempt Simple 2B. Outboard I/O 2C. Boat Type: __________________________ 3A. Exempt Simple 3B. Outboard I/O 3C. Boat Type: __________________________ Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet �4A. Exempt Simple Complex 4B. Outboard I/O 4C. Boat Type: __________________________ 5A. Exempt Simple 5B. Outboard I/O 5C. Boat Type: __________________________ 6A. Exempt Simple 6B. Outboard I/O 6C. Boat Type: __________________________ 7A. Exempt Simple 7B. Outboard I/O 7C. Boat Type: __________________________ 8A. Exempt Simple 8B. Outboard I/O 8C. Boat Type: __________________________ Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 Jet 53 �54 9A. Exempt Simple 9B. Outboard I/O 9C. Boat Type: __________________________ 10A. Exempt Simple 10B. Outboard I/O 10C. Boat Type: __________________________ 11A. Exempt Simple 11B. Outboard I/O 11C. Boat Type: __________________________ 12A. Exempt Simple 12B. Outboard I/O 12C. Boat Type: __________________________ 13A. Exempt Simple 13B. Outboard I/O 13C. Boat Type: __________________________ Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet �14A. Exempt Simple Complex 14B. Outboard I/O 14C. Boat Type: __________________________ 15A. Exempt Simple 15B. Outboard I/O 15C. Boat Type: __________________________ 16A. Exempt Simple 16B. Outboard I/O 16C. Boat Type: __________________________ 17A. Exempt Simple 17B. Outboard I/O 17C. Boat Type: __________________________ 18A. Exempt Simple 18B. Outboard I/O 18C. Boat Type: __________________________ Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Jet Complex Inboard Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 Jet 55 �Chapter 4 Review Questions 1. List the ten watercraft exempt from mandatory inspections in Colorado. 1.)______________________________________ 6.) ______________________________________ 2.)______________________________________ 7.) ______________________________________ 3.)______________________________________ 8.) ______________________________________ 4.)______________________________________ 9.) ______________________________________ 5.)______________________________________ 10.) _____________________________________ 2. List three reasons why they are exempt from inspections. 1.) ___________________________________________________________________________________ 2.) ___________________________________________________________________________________ 3.) ___________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Why are ballast tanks a big deal for inspection and decontamination? ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Circle the one item you need to inspect on a sailboat that is different from other boats. a. Hull and Trailer b. Centerboard Box c. Rudder d. Motor 5. Match the watercraft type with the appropriate risk level. Watercraft Type Risk Level a. Low Biological Risk ���� House Boats, Cabin Cruisers, Ski Boats and Wakeboard Boats with Ballast Tanks. b. Medium Biological Risk c. High Biological Risk d. Very High Biological Risk ���� Large Open Boats, Sailboats, Ski Boats and Wakeboard Boats with no ballast tanks, Personal Watercraft (PWC). ���� Simple Boats—Open Hull, Single Motors, No Interior Containers or Compartments. ���� Canoe, Kayak, Windsurfer Board, Sail Board, Belly Boats, Rafts, Float Tubes, and Inner Tubes. 56 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �6. Match the definition to the engine or motor: Engine or Motor Definition a. Inboard/Outboard Engine ���� A marine propulsion system consisting of a self‐contained unit that includes a motor, propeller and controls, and is affixed to an b. Outboard angler’s boat, either at the bow or stern. Typically electric but also c. Trolling Motor gas powered. d. Inboard Engine ���� Enclosed within the hull of the boat. These have a raw water e. Jet Engine cooling system where water from the reservoir is pumped by the engine to cool it. Attached to the hull of the boat is the propeller shaft and propeller which propels the boat through the water. The rudder acts as the “steering wheel” to guide the boat. ���� Located just forward of the transom (stern) and provides power to the drive unit located outside the hull. This drive unit (or lower unit or outdrive) resembles the bottom half of an outboard motor. ���� This propulsion system draws the water from under the boat into a pump inside the boat. The water then passes through a series of impellers and stators—known as stages—which increase the velocity of the water flow. The water is then expelled through a nozzle at the stern. The tail section of the unit extends out through the transom of the hull above the waterline. This water stream exits through a small nozzle at high velocity to push the boat forward. ���� A marine propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self‐ contained unit that includes engine, gearbox, and propeller, designed to be affixed to the outside of the transom and is the most common motorized method of propelling small watercraft. As well as providing propulsion, these provide steering control, as they are designed to pivot over the gimbal (mounting bracket) and control the direction of the thrust. The skeg also acts as a rudder when the engine is not running. 7. Which compartments cannot be fully drained on a watercraft? (circle all that apply). a. Ballast Tank or Bag b. Inboard Engine c. Inboard/Outboard Engine d. Outboard Engine e. Bait Well f. All of the above 8. What boats require inspection? (circle all that apply). a. Hand-launched and hand-powered canoe or kayak. b. Boats with an electric, gas, or diesel motor. c. Boats that launch from a trailer. d. Jet Skis or other Personal Watercraft Chapter 4: Watercraft 101 57 �Notes _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ 58 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Chapter 5 Watercraft Inspection Procedures cpw.state.co.us Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 59 ��Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures The Ideal Inspector What characteristics, traits, or qualities make up the Ideal Inspector? 1. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 5. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 6. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 7. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 8. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 9. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 10. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 11. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 12. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 13. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 14. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 15. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 16. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 17. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 18. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 61 �Inspector Roles, Expectations, and Guidance The Role of the Authorized Agent (Inspector) 1. Inspect Watercraft for ANS. 2. Decontaminate Watercraft for ANS. 3. Educate and Inform the Public about ANS. The inspector’s role is to teach boat operators to inspect their own watercraft each time they launch and to ensure it is clean, drained, and dry in between every use. Expectations • Wear Uniforms and Appropriate Clothing/PPE. • Show up on time or early for your shift. • Send a rumor mill to supervisors or to the ANS Program Office. • Stick to the talking points—learn the Boater’s Brochure! • Smile! Unless otherwise instructed by their supervisors to do so, Inspectors should NOT do the following: • Law Enforcement • Campground Management • Search and Rescue • Fishing License checks • Post Signage • Manipulate the land in any way • Boater Safety Checks • Boat Registration Checks • Bathroom cleaning • Fee collections What is NOT allowed in the workplace? • Pets • Sleeping on the Job • Leaving the Ramp Unattended • Marijuana, Drugs, or Alcohol of any kind • Violence • Smoking while Boaters/Visitors are Present • Concealed weapons (even with permit) 62 Inspector Guidance Equipment is for use at the inspection station, by employees for inspection and decontamination only. • Report broken or missing equipment to your crew leader or supervisor. • Do not remove equipment from the site. • Do not use state equipment for any purpose other than what it was intended by your employer. • Do not charge for inspection or decon. • Do not accept $ tips. • Do not attempt to sell CPW or Authorized Location equipment. • Return all equipment at the end of the season. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �What Are The Mandatory Inspection Laws and Regulations in Colorado? Resident Boaters must pass a state-certified watercraft inspection if: • The watercraft has launched out of state. • The watercraft has launched on any of the Colorado lakes or reservoirs where ANS have been detected. The boat operator must submit the watercraft to an inspection prior to leaving. • The watercraft is being launched in a lake or reservoir where inspections are required prior to entry. Boaters should expect their watercraft to be inspected at any lake or reservoir in the state. Out-of-State boats must pass a state-certified inspection and/or decontamination before launching the watercraft in any Colorado lake, reservoir, or waterway. The Goal for Every Boat: Clean, Drain, Dry in between each and every use! No Water. No Animals/Mussels. No Plants. No Mud. Types of WID Stations Negative Prevention Waters—Waters that have never had a verified detection of any ANS or have not had a detection within the time frame for de‐listing. Other ANS Containment Water—Waters that are positive for an Other ANS. They have a verified presence of an ANS listed in Parks Chapter 8 regulations other than zebra or quagga mussels. Most ANS Positive waters are also prevention waters for mussels and other ANS. ZQM Containment Water—Waters that have had a verified zebra or quagga mussel detection. Off Water WIDS—Authorized locations that are not located at a water body (e.g. offices or business locations). What Are the Priorities As a Watercraft Inspector? 1. Ensure Personal and Public Safety—The safety and the safety of the public is top priority at all times. Many vehicles and boats will be moving around the inspection area. People will be looking under wheels and through the watercraft. You will need to ensure the safety of all involved. 2. Educate Boaters—Every contact made with boaters is an educational opportunity to teach them about the importance of controlling zebra and quagga mussels and other ANS. Boaters must realize that ANS are spread by their actions (or inaction). They must understand that they can lose access and their recreational opportunities if they do not help in this effort. The primary education message is Clean, Drain, and Dry: Clean: Remove all plants, animals, and mud. Thoroughly wash everything. Drain: Drain every space or item that can hold water. Remove all water drain plugs. Dry: Make sure the watercraft is completely dry which means sponging, toweling or pumping all water out. 3. Inspecting Watercraft—Assessing the Risk of the Watercraft—By following the inspection procedure detailed later in this chapter, inspectors are ensuring that the biological risk of the watercraft is reduced prior to launching and that watercraft are leaving clean, drained, and dry before exiting. 4. Draining Standing Water—Colorado’s WID procedures are largely based on mitigating the risks associated with transporting organisms from one water body to another in standing water. These organisms (e.g. mussel veligers, pathogens or plant fragments) are typically microscopic so it is essential that standing water be drained in between each and every use. 5. Decontamination—If there is a known or suspect ANS on a watercraft, or standing water that can not be drained, the watercraft must be decontaminated. See Chapter 6. Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 63 �What Are The Types of Inspections? These procedures have been proven effective in identification and interception of watercraft that have zebra or quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, rusty crayfish, and noxious weeds. Following these protocols and educating the boater WILL prevent the spread of ANS. There are four inspection protocols that will be described in detail later in the Chapter. 1. Entrance Inspection: This inspection procedure applies to all trailered, motorized watercraft before entering prevention or containment water bodies. 2. Exit Inspection—Negative and Other ANS Containment: This procedure is for boats leaving a negative or other ANS positive reservoir. This inspection ensures that contact has been made with the boater before they leave the boat ramp and verifies that the watercraft is clean and drained prior to exiting. Make sure the boater pulls all plugs, removes plants, checks sea strainers, drains all water, and wells are empty. 3. Exit Inspection—ZQM Containment: This procedure is for boats leaving lakes or reservoirs that are listed as suspect, positive, or infested for zebra or quagga mussels. Upon exiting, the inspector performs a full inspection and decontaminates those that can’t be drained and are going to a different water body next. 64 4. Off Water Inspection: These inspections are mostly performed at offices and businesses that are not located at a water body. They could, however, be performed at a water body for someone needing a seal but not intending to launch at that location next. This is a hybrid entrance‐exit inspection, which follows the entrance inspection procedure and ends with a seal application. What Equipment Do I Need? A designated inspection area should have been identified, with signage identifying its location. Every inspector should have the following items when performing inspections: • • • • • • • • • Uniform and Safety Vest Tablet for Data Collection Educational Materials L.E.D. Flashlight Mirror Magnifier Wire Cutter Digital Camera Sample Collection Kit Supervisors will need to be sure the equipment and materials on the following page are available. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Safety Equipment q Traffic cones q Orange traffic safety vests q Mandatory Uniforms q Chocks for the trailer (optional) q Rolling stepladder for boat access (optional) q First Aid Kit (For use by first aid trained staff only. If not first aid trained, use only on self—not for use on anyone else or members of the public.) q Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)— refers to protective clothing such as closed toe shoes, gloves, hats, sun protection, sunscreen, eye protection, insect protection, bugscreen, water proof suit, etc. Inspection Equipment q WID Activity Log Form or Data Collector q State of Colorado Forms and Checklists q Green seals, wire, and seal receipts q Wire cutters q Crescent wrench to take out bilge plugs (9⁄16” socket also handy to give boater if they need it. Inspectors—don’t use tools on other’s boats.) q Digital camera q Hand wipes q Hand sanitizer q Paper towels q Inspection mirrors q Flashlights q Magnifying glass q Sample collection kit q Work lights q Method of communication (Radio, cell phone, etc.) q Weather radio q Clipboards q Pens/pencils q Vise grips q Buckets q Nets q Bilge pump Staff Equipment q Uniforms (shirts, vests, name tags, hats, etc.) q Chairs q Access to drinking water q Access to restrooms q Access to shelter in case of weather q Sun block q Trash can Educational Materials q Mussel education brochures q Boating regulation brochures q Fishing regulation brochures q Maps of reservoir/lake/etc. Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 65 �Seals and Receipts Overview of the ANS Wire Seals and Receipts A critical step in the entrance inspection procedure is to check for a seal and verify the receipt. The last step in the exit inspection procedure is to apply a seal and receipt. Therefore, it is very important that inspectors understand the seal system before learning the full inspection procedures. What is the green seal system? Colorado uses a wire seal, coupled with a receipt, to communicate the location of the boat’s last inspection or decontamination and associated information to the next inspector. The seal locks the watercraft to the trailer indicating that it has not launched since the seal was issued. The receipt accompanies the seal and provides documentation regarding date and location of last inspection, protocol used, type of decontamination, if any, and other important information. It is imperative that you understand exactly how these seals are used and what they tell you about the risk level of that watercraft. When Do Boats Get a Green Seal and Receipt? A. If a watercraft leaves a water body and passes an exit inspection or decontamination. B. If a watercraft comes to an office or business WIDS and passes an off‐water inspection or decontamination. Where Are Green Seals Applied? The seal must be attached in a way that ensures it will be broken if the watercraft is separated from the trailer. Typically, the wire seal goes between the eyebolt and a hard welded part of the trailer. Be advised that some winches can be unrolled completely and separated from the seal without breaking. Note: The inspector must physically and visually inspect the seal itself to make sure it has not been tampered with. 66 Exit Inspection with Seal Application Goals for WID Sites = 100% All WID Stations should strive to provide seals and receipts to all boaters exiting their sites. • • Minimum Requirements for WID Exit Inspections: • Prevention/Negative sites with pre-inspection must provide exit inspections with seals and receipts to at least 80% of boaters • Prevention/Negative sites without preinspection must provide exit inspections with seals and receipts to at least 90% of boaters. Other ANS Containment Waters must provide exit inspections with seals and receipts to at least 90% of boaters. ZQM Containment waters must provide exit inspections with seals and receipts to ALL boaters. Seal Receipts Seals are only valid with a matching receipt. The seal tells you that the watercraft has not launched since its last inspection. The receipt tells the next inspector what kind of inspection or decontamination was performed at the last site, in addition to when it was performed and by whom. This information will help to determine the risk this watercraft poses and what type of inspection or decontamination needs to be performed before allowing the boater to launch. A tampered seal in comparison. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �State of Colorado State of Colorado INSPECTION AND DECONTAMINATION SEAL RECEIPT INSPECTION AND DECONTAMINATION SEAL RECEIPT For use when applying green seals to boats at Negative Prevention locations. Provide original to watercraft owner (white) and keep carbon copy (yellow). This receipt valid for State Park preinspection only at the location where it was issued. WID Location: _________________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Time: _______________________________ Inspector’s ID #: ________________________ Boat Type: ___________________________ Vessel Registration (CL #): _______________________________________________________ Trailer Plate #: __________________________ Seal Serial #: __________________________ For use when applying green seals to boats at ANS Containment waters. WID Location: _________________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Time: _______________________________ Inspector’s ID #: ________________________ Boat Type: ___________________________ Vessel Registration (CL #): _______________________________________________________ Trailer Plate #: __________________________ q Egeria RETURNING BOAT PROCEDURES PERFORMED (Every line must be checked to be valid) Exit (HEAD) Inspection: Standing Water Decontamination: Full Decontamination: Plant Decontamination: Bait Decontamination: q Performed q Performed q Performed q Performed q Performed HOW TO TREAT A BOAT WITH A GREEN SEAL Always ask about live aquatic bait and follow bait protocol. Cut off seal and let boat launch if one of the following are true: 1.) Boat is returning to the same location; or 2.) Boat has been decontaminated; or 3.) Boat is clean and fully drained. If not, perform an inspection prior to launch. or or or or or q Not Performed q Not Performed q Not Performed q Not Performed q Not Performed White—Owner/Operator q NZMS q Yes q Quagga q No PROCEDURES PERFORMED (Every line must be checked to be valid) Exit (HEAD) Inspection: Standing Water Decontamination: Full Decontamination: Plant Decontamination: Bait Decontamination: q Performed q Performed q Performed q Performed q Performed q Not Performed q Not Performed or q Not Performed or q Not Performed or q Not Performed or or HOW TO TREAT A BOAT WITH A GREEN SEAL FROM A CONTAINMENT WATER NOTES: _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ CLEAN, DRAINED, AND DRY BOATS GET ON THE WATER FAST! Distribution: 1 - 2/2020 – 130,000 Seal Serial #: __________________________ q EWM Yellow—Inspection Location RW1-28/21520-20 When applied properly, seals with receipts should decrease the amount of time for the boater and the inspector. In most cases, the watercraft will not need to be inspected or decontaminated upon entry if they have a green seal with a valid receipt. Boaters that lose a white receipt from prevention waters,   or are returning to the same location with a valid white or blue receipt, and have an I/O, inboard or ballast tank Always ask about live aquatic bait and follow bait protocol. Cut off seal and let boat launch if one of the following are true: NOTES: _________________________________ 1.) Boat is returning to the same location; or _________________________________ 2.) Boat has been decontaminated. _________________________________ If not, perform an inspection to check for _________________________________ standing water. • If there is no standing water and the boat is clean and dried, allow launch. • If any standing water is found, a standing water decontamination is required before allowing launch. CLEAN, DRAINED, AND DRY BOATS GET ON THE WATER FAST! Distribution: 2 - 2/2020 – 40,000 Blue—Owner/Operator Yellow—Inspection Location RW1-28/21518-20 will not be decontaminated per standing water rule 3A if the seal itself is intact and has no appearance of being tampered with. The inspector must educate the boater to keep their receipt in the future. Some state parks have a pre‐inspection policy in place. Blue receipts are only valid for pre-inspection if they were decontaminated upon leaving the containment reservoir or if they are returning to the same location. Green Seal Removal Flow Chart 2020 Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 67 �Seals Explained to the Public: • Green does NOT mean go! • A green seal is proof of prior inspection. • It will speed up your entry to the next water. • The boat operator still has to stop at the inspection station and have the seal and receipt verified. • The boat will be allowed to launch if it is returning to the same location, been out of the water for more than 30 days, or the watercraft is clean, drained, and dry. • If the boat is not returning to the same location or has not been out of the water for more than 30 days, it may get a quick check prior to launching. • If the watercraft is not clean and dry, it will most likely get re-inspected. • Keep watercraft clean, drained, and dry and get on the water fast! How do I treat a seal that is NOT green? Colorado greatly appreciates seals with receipts from all jurisdictions across the nation. This physical documentation indicates that a boat has not launched since the seal was applied and enables the inspector to adequately determine risk according to Colorado procedures. Colorado inspectors must utilize the information on the receipt to properly determine risk. Colorado is concerned about stopping the spread of all ANS, and not just zebra or quagga mussels. Therefore, inspectors should inspect the watercraft and follow standing water procedures and triggers for decontamination. Inspectors must use the accompanying seal paperwork, if any exists, to complete data requirements on the Activity Log or Data Collector. Regional WID Data Sharing System The Regional WID Data Sharing System (System) is in use at more than 200 locations across the west, 68 including 52 WID stations in Colorado. CPW developed the System and maintains ownership and oversight. The states of Arizona, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming as well as the Lake Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Solano County Water Agency, Mussel Dogs, and TiGE are now using the System as their primary form of data collection and management. The purpose of the System is to record information related to WID electronically and to share information in a timely manner across jurisdictions to aid collaborative efforts to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels and other ANS. The System consists of a mobile application, website, and shared database hosted on a private server. The mobile application is compatible on all iOS and Android devices. This reduces the operating costs for mobile data collection and data entry while increasing accuracy. It provides for improved reliability in data collected in the field at WID stations, in addition to rapid query capacity for ondemand reporting. Lead agencies are able to customize Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �the user interface of the mobile application in alignment with both western regional standards and state laws, regulations, and priorities. The System is used for data entry, viewing, editing, querying, and reporting. An included risk assessment tool shows where boats are moving after launching in mussel infested waters and sends an alert to the next known destination. With the benefits of data sharing proving to be abundant, the states of Arizona, Nevada and Utah have been using the System to send out timely electronic alerts of watercraft leaving infested waters. This increased timely communication has directly increased the number of infested watercraft being intercepted within the western region before launching in uninfested waters. CPW manages and operates the System through a private industry contract utilizing federal grant dollars. The data itself is the property of the state agency that input the information. CPW leads a Governance Committee, consisting of user organizations that is charged with evaluating and prioritizing requests, changes and enhancements. The Governance Committee works to collectively determine the viability and usefulness of new technologies. It is expected that this System will become industry standard for entities performing WID. As users increase, this system will continue to improve communications among jurisdictions to enable field staff and managers to accurately focus resources towards effective risk mitigation related to the prevention and containment of zebra and quagga mussels and other harmful ANS. Inspectors must use the system in real time in order to benefit from the many features that help to determine risk at the ramp. Also, the data collected is imperative to inform the budget and other decisions related to WID operations. Obtaining accurate and timely information is imperative for success. Entities Employing WID Mobile for Data Collection Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 69 �Inspection Protocols The following science-based standard protocols have proven effective to identify and intercept watercraft harboring zebra or quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, and noxious weeds including Eurasian watermilfoil. By following these protocols and educating boaters, you WILL prevent the spread of ANS. Step 2: Greeting and Education • Introduce yourself. • Explain the purpose of inspection and inform the boater that you are looking for zebra or quagga mussels and other invasive species that move on watercraft (e.g. bumps on boats). • Provide a brochure or educational item. • Inform the boat operator that watercraft must be clean, drained, and dry in between every use. This includes removing water drain plugs and plants from the conveyance before traveling over land. Step 3: Initial Assessment • Record in the Data Collector or Activity Log the following information • In or Out • Boat Registration Number • Trailer License Plate • Vessel Type • Propulsion Type Step 4: Check for Seal and Receipt to determine if the watercraft is high or low risk. Low Risk Watercraft is defined as those with: • Green Seal and Matching Receipt from the same location. • Green Seal and Matching White Receipt (negative location). • Green Seal and Matching Blue Receipt for the same ANS present in the receiving water. Step-By-Step Protocol for Inspections: Entrance Inspection Step-By-Step Protocol— All Waters All stations regardless of status (positive, suspect, or negative) perform entrance inspections for boats coming into the lake or reservoir. Step 1: Safety • To ensure personal and public safety, the inspector must ask the driver to turn off the engine, put on the parking brake, and step out of the vehicle. • Consider putting chocks under the wheels of the vehicle and the trailer. The inspector will have to climb on the watercraft and under the trailer, so it is important to prevent boats and trailer from rolling. 70 Perform Seal Removal for Low Risk Watercraft: • Make sure the seal was not tampered with and that the receipt matches. • Ask about live aquatic bait and follow bait protocol. • Thank the boater and allow launch. High risk boats must be fully inspected following steps 5–8 detailed below. High risk boats are defined as those that: • Do not have a seal and matching receipt. • Have a seal that appears to be tampered with. • Have a seal that is not from Colorado. • Have a seal that is not green. • Have a green seal from Colorado with a blue receipt for ANS not present in the receiving water. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Step 5: Boating History There are two very important questions that must be asked: 1. Has the boat launched out of state in the last 60 days? a. If yes, where? 2. Where has the boat launched in the last 60 days? a. Listen carefully to see if any of the locations listed are positive, suspect or infested and record that information in the data collector. Note: Inspectors must ask both of the above questions. There are reservoirs in other states that are named the same as here (e.g. Sylvan Lake State Park in South Dakota or Cherry Creek Reservoir State Park in Illinois). If the inspector asks only one of the above questions, or combines these two questions into one: “Where has the boat launched in the last 60 days?”, it is likely the inspector will not get complete information which could result in a mussel boat being launching and infesting Colorado! Step 6: Live Aquatic Bait • Ask if they have live aquatic bait: a. If yes, follow bait protocol. b. If not, continue with inspection. Step 7: Perform the visual and physical (tactile) entrance inspection of the watercraft, using the acronym H.E.A.D. to ensure that the watercraft is fully inspected. Hull and Trailer—Rapid Exterior Inspection 1. Look over (visual) and feel (tactile) the entire watercraft on both sides of hull and trailer. 2. Physically inspect the through hull fittings and document if there are ballast tanks. 3. Check trailer bunks or rollers, tire wells, lights, and electrical. 4. Remove any plants or plant fragments that are present. 5. The bilge plug should be kept out during overland transport per state regulation. Check to make sure it is out and educate the boat operator of this rule, if it is still in, while having the boat operator remove the plug for inspection. • Physically and visually inspect the bilge area using a flashlight. • Ask the boat operator to activate the bilge pump, if present. 6. If the watercraft has an inboard engine, be certain to inspect the prop, prop shaft, and rudder. Note: It is important to start and end the inspection at the same place on each watercraft. Look the boat over and feel the hull with the boater. Both you and the boater should feel the ridges, seams, and recessed bolts of the watercraft. The young mussels may feel like bumps or sandpaper on the craft. If you or the boater feel a rough spot, look for attached mussels. Trailers can pose a high risk so carefully check trailer rails, lights and electrical wires, as well as the license plate and trailer pads. This is a good opportunity to use your inspection mirrors and flashlights to help look into difficult nooks and crannies along the underside or hull and trailer. Engine or Motor 1. Ask for the outboard or I/O to be lowered. 2. Visually and physically inspect all engine compartments with a flashlight. 3. Visually and physically inspect the gimbal area of the outboard or I/O with a flashlight. Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 71 �4. Visually and physically inspect the transom or including all instruments (e.g. pitot tubes or transducers). Anchor and Equipment Checked 1. Ask to see the anchor and anchor rope or chain. 2. Visually and physically inspect the anchor and rope or chain for mud, plants and/or ANS. 3. Check any additional equipment such as life vests, fenders, buoys, paddles, ropes, nets, etc. 4. Ensure all equipment is clean and dry. Drain and Check Interior Compartments Inspectors need to get into the watercraft to inspect interior compartments that could hold standing water (e.g. wells). 1. Ask for permission to board the watercraft and ask the boater to climb in first. Follow the boater into the watercraft in the same way they entered. Be careful to prevent either the boater or inspection staff from falling or getting hurt. 2. Ask the boater to open up compartments so you can inspect all bait wells, live wells, equipment lockers and verifiable ballast tanks. • If the watercraft has standing water in the bait well or in any container, the inspector should work with the boater to remove standing water from the watercraft using a pump, sponge, or towel. If the watercraft can’t be drained, it should be decontaminated. 3. If the watercraft has an I/O or inboard engine, be sure to inspect the engine compartment and its bilge. 72 4. Physically and visually inspect any ballast tanks or bags. Most ballast can’t be drained or visually and physically inspected, so be certain to follow standing water rules for decontamination. 5. Ensure that all compartments are fully drained and dried to the best of your ability. Note: Mandatory standing water decontamination is required for I/O engines, Inboard engines, ballast tanks or bags, or any other compartment that can’t be drained according to the standing water rules on page 78. Step 8: Encourage Exit Inspection and Closeout 1. Remind the boater to replace bilge plug. The boater is responsible to ensure the watercraft is watertight before launching. 2. Ask the boater to raise the engine or motor to ensure no damage takes place during transport. 3. Ensure all inspectors are finished looking at the watercraft and that nothing was found. 4. Yell “stand clear” to ensure the safety of staff and the public. 5. Remind the boater to get an exit inspection and obtain a green seal and receipt on the way out to speed up the inspection next time. 6. Either instruct the boater on decontamination requirements OR thank the boater for keeping the watercraft clean, drained, and dry; and allow them to launch. 7. Complete the record in the Data Collector or WID Activity Log. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Exit Inspection Step-By-Step Procedure Exit Inspections are important to make an additional educational contact with the boater reinforcing that watercraft should be clean, drained, and dry in between each use. It also verifies that the boater has followed the proper protocols to clean off the watercraft and completely drain all compartments prior to leaving. Lastly, it is required to obtain a seal and receipt. Remind the boater of the negative impacts of zebra and quagga mussels and other ANS. Repeat the primary educational message Clean, Drain, Dry and explain why boaters need to do it each time they use their watercraft. Step 1: Safety • To ensure personal and public safety, the inspector must ask the driver to turn off the engine, put on the parking brake and step out of the vehicle. • Consider putting chocks under the wheels of the vehicle and the trailer. The inspector will have to climb on the watercraft and under the trailer, so it is important to prevent boats and trailer from rolling. Step 2: Greeting and Education • Introduce yourself. • Explain the purpose of inspection and inform the boater that you are looking for zebra or quagga mussels and other invasive species that move on watercraft (e.g. bumps on boats). • Provide a brochure or educational item. • Inform the boat operator that watercraft must be clean, drained, and dry in between every use. This includes removing water drain plugs and plants from the conveyance before leaving. Step 3: Initial Assessment • Record in the Data Collector or Activity Log the following information • In or Out • Boat Registration Number • Trailer License Plate • Vessel Type • Propulsion Type ZQM and Other ANS Containment—Ask the Boater Where They Intend to Launch Next. If they plan to go to a different location next, or they don’t know, explain that the watercraft may need decontamination before launching elsewhere. Other ANS Positive Waters Offer to decontaminate compartments that can’t be drained before they leave. ZQM Containment Waters Watercraft destined for another location require a MANDATORY decontamination prior to leaving the containment water body. Step 4: Live Aquatic Bait • Ask if they have live aquatic bait. • If yes, recommend the boater properly dispose of bait in the trash or follow bait protocol in Chapter 6. • If not, continue with inspection. Step 5: Perform the visual and tactile inspection of the watercraft, using the acronym H.E.A.D. to ensure that the watercraft is fully inspected. Hull and Trailer—Rapid Exterior Inspection 1. Look over entire watercraft on both sides of hull and trailer. 2. Physically inspect the through hull fittings. 3. Check trailer bunks or rollers, tire wells, lights, and electrical. 4. Remove any plants or plant fragments. 5. Ask the boater to remove the bilge plug when inspecting the transom. Inform the boater that the bilge plug must be kept out during overland transport per state regulation. If applicable, have the boater activate the bilge pump. Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 73 �6. If the watercraft has an inboard engine, be certain to inspect the prop, prop shaft, and rudder. Note: It is important to start and end the inspection at the same place on each watercraft. Look the boat over and feel the hull with the boater. Both you and the boater should feel the ridges, seams, and recessed bolts of the watercraft. The young mussels may feel like bumps or sandpaper on the craft. If you or the boater feel a rough spot, look for attached mussels. Trailers can pose a high risk so carefully check trailer rails, lights and electrical wires, as well as the license plate and trailer pads. This is a good opportunity to use your inspection mirrors and flashlights to help look into difficult nooks and crannies along the underside or hull and trailer. Engine or Motor 1. Ask for the outboard or I/O to be lowered. • Do this twice at containment reservoirs. 2. Visually and physically inspect all engine compartments with a flashlight. 3. Visually and physically inspect the gimbal area of the outboard or I/O with a flashlight. 4. Visually and physically inspect the transom or including all instruments (e.g. pitot tubes or transducers). 74 Anchor and Equipment Checked 1. Ask to see the anchor and anchor rope or chain. 2. Visually and physically inspect the anchor and rope or chain for mud, plants, or ANS. 3. Check any additional equipment such as life vests, fenders, buoys, paddles, ropes, nets, etc. 4. Ensure all equipment is clean and dry. Drain and Check Interior Compartments Inspectors will need to get into the watercraft to inspect interior compartments that could hold standing water. 1. Ask for permission to board the watercraft and ask the boater to climb in first. Follow the boater into the watercraft in the same way they entered. Be careful to prevent either the boater or inspection staff from falling or getting hurt. 2. Ask the boater to open up compartments so you can see all bait wells, live wells, equipment lockers and verifiable ballast tanks. The inspector should work with the boater to remove standing water from the watercraft using a pump, sponge, or towel. 3. If the watercraft has an I/O engine or inboard engine, be sure to inspect the engine compartment and its bilge and run bilge pump, if applicable. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �4. Either instruct the boater on decontamination requirements OR thank the boater and remind them of the importance of keeping the watercraft clean, drained, and dry. 5. Complete the record in the Data Collector or WID Activity Log. Important Notes for Containment (Suspect or Positive) Reservoirs At containment reservoirs, it is mandatory that all boats be inspected upon exit. The main focus of containment in Colorado is to make sure standing water does not leave the reservoir on a watercraft. The reason for this is because to date only veliger zebra and quagga mussels (microscopic larvae) or environmental DNA has been detected in Colorado’s water bodies. 4. Physically and visually inspect any ballast tanks or bags to the best of your ability. Most ballast can’t be drained, so be certain to follow standing water rules for decontamination. 5. Ensure that all compartments are fully drained to the best of your ability. Note: Mandatory standing water decontamination is required for I/O engines, Inboard engines, ballast tanks or bags, or any other compartment that can’t be drained according to the standing water rules page 78. Step 7: Apply Seal and Provide Valid Receipt 1. Properly apply a green seal to watercraft and trailer. 2. Give the boater a copy of the white or blue receipt and explain that the seal is valid only if the receipt is kept and the seal is intact. Step 8: Closeout 1. Remind the boater that they must leave all water drain plugs out during overland transport. 2. Ask boater to raise the engine or motor to ensure there is no damage. 3. Ensure all inspectors are finished looking at the watercraft and that nothing was found. The difference between containment and prevention exit protocols is that at containment reservoirs the priority is focused on draining standing water and performing standing water decontaminations, in addition to ensuring that no plants, mud, or animals leave the lake or reservoir on or in watercraft. The goal for containment waters is such that all exiting boats get a thorough and complete inspection and are issued a green seal and a BLUE receipt. If the watercraft can’t be drained during the exit inspection, and is intended to launch in a different location next, it must get a standing water decontamination prior to leaving. All watercraft using ZQM Containment waters must be recorded in the Data Collector. Note: Not all locations positive for EWM or NZMS have watercraft inspection and decontamination stations. Containment locations issue green seals and BLUE receipts for exiting boaters. The blue receipt provides a visual warning to the next inspector that the watercraft is from a positive or suspect water body. Follow seal removal protocol for boats from containment waters. If at any point suspect or known ANS are found, or the watercraft can’t be drained → send to decontamination. Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 75 �Exit Inspection Procedure at ZQM Containment Reservoirs for Unverifiable Water (Ballast, Inboard, I/O): Ask the boater where they plan to launch the watercraft next. • If they are planning to return to the same reservoir → inspector performs an exit inspection including having the boater run the ballast or engine pumps and expunge interior water → issue green seal and receipt and enter the inspection record in the data collector. • If they are planning to launch the watercraft in a different reservoir, or they do not know where they are going to launch next → inspector performs an exit inspection, including having the boater run the ballast or engine pumps and expunge interior water → perform a minimum of a standing water decontamination → issue green seal and receipt. 76 Note: There are rare occasions when the weather is unsafe for inspectors to be working (e.g. lightening and hail) and therefore large volumes of boaters can leave containment reservoirs without inspection, draining or decontamination. It is imperative that these boats get intercepted and decontaminated before entering the next reservoir. The same is true for ballast boats intending to return to the same location and go somewhere else instead. Off‐Water Inspection Procedure: All Waters Inspections that are performed at offices and businesses that are not © brad Henley located at a water body. They could, however, be performed at a water body for someone needing a seal but not intending to launch at that location next. This is a hybrid entrance‐ exit inspection, which follows the entrance inspection Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �procedure and ends with a seal application. Follow steps 1–7 of the Entrance Inspection protocol detailed on pages 70–72 and complete the inspection with a seal application and closeout. Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Step 8: Step 9: Safety Greeting and Education Initial Assessment Check for Seal and Receipt to determine if boat is high or low risk Boating History Live Aquatic Bait Perform the visual and physical (tactile) entrance inspection of the watercraft, using the acronym H.E.A.D. to ensure that the watercraft is properly inspected Apply Seal and Provide Valid Receipt Closeout Additional Considerations for Inspecting a Personal Watercraft (P.W.C.) Personal Watercraft (P.W.C.) have a unique configuration and specific components that require additional considerations when performing an inspection. While the majority of the inspection protocol is unchanged when inspecting a P.W.C., the following modifications to Step 7—The Visual and Tactile inspection of the watercraft should be implemented to ensure a fully cleaned, drained, and dry watercraft. Step 7: Perform the visual and tactile inspection of the watercraft, using the acronym H.E.A.D. to ensure that the watercraft is fully inspected. Hull and Trailer—Rapid Exterior Inspection 1. Look over (visual) and feel (tactile) the entire watercraft on both sides of hull and trailer. 2. Physically inspect the through hull fittings. 3. Check trailer bunks or rollers, tire wells, lights and electrical. 4. Inspect the intake grate on the underside of the PWC. 5. Remove any plants or plant fragments that are present. 6. Ensure the boater has removed the bilge plug(s) when inspecting the transom. There are often two bilge plugs on a P.W.C.—one on each side of the jet. 7. Physically and visually inspect the bilge area (e.g. feel the bilge area) and use a flashlight to visually see if any ANS are present. 8. If applicable, have the boater activate the bilge pump. Jet Engine 1. Visually and physically inspect the jet (steering nozzle) with a flashlight. 2. Visually and physically inspect the transom or rear of the watercraft with a flashlight. 3. Stand clear and ask the operator to start the P.W.C. 4. Once started, have the operator rev the engine 2–3 times to ensure the engine and exhaust cooling systems are free of water. 5. If water is expelled from the jets during this process the watercraft should be sent for decontamination. Anchor and Equipment Checked 1. Ask to see the anchor and anchor rope or chain. 2. Visually and physically inspect the anchor and rope or chain for mud, plants and/or ANS. 3. Check any additional equipment such as life vests, buoys, paddles, ropes, nets, etc. 4. Ensure all equipment is clean and dry. Drain and Check Interior Compartments 1. Ask the operator to raise the seat of the P.W.C. 2. Inspect the engine compartment for mud, water, plants and mussels using a flashlight 3. Ask the boater to open the compartment in front of the handlebars. 4. Inspect the engine compartment for mud, water, plants and mussels using a flashlight. 5. If the watercraft has standing water in either of these compartments, the inspector should work with the operator to remove standing water from the watercraft using a pump, sponge, or towel. If the watercraft cannot be drained, it should be decontaminated. 6. Ensure that the compartments are fully drained to the best of your ability prior to launch. Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 77 �Rules for Standing Water It is imperative that standing water be drained from watercraft to prevent the movement of microscopic mussel larvae or veligers, plant fragments, diseases, and other animals from being transported. Inspectors must pay careful attention to any compartment that cannot be completely drained and therefore may contain standing water. Zebra and quagga mussel veligers are microscopic and can be transported in water, capable of surviving up to 27 days in watercraft compartments. There are two types of water on boats: Verifiable Water—This is water in compartments that you can see, feel, or visually inspect, such as in wells or bilges. This is the majority of water on the boats you will inspect. Unverifiable Water—This is water in compartments that you cannot see, feel, or visually inspect. Ballast, I/O engines, and Inboard engines all carry unverifiable water. Rule #1—Mandatory Decontamination for Watercraft with Standing Water from Listed or Unknown Locations If the watercraft has been in suspect, positive, or infested waters and has any standing water, it is mandatory to send the watercraft to decontamination. Especially in cases where the watercraft has an I/O or Inboard engine, or a ballast tank or bag, it is mandatory to send the watercraft to 78 decontamination and thoroughly flush those compartments. Rule #2— Watercraft with Verifiable Water Incoming watercraft that is not green sealed from unknown sources or from prevention waters should be clean, drained, and dry. Sponge, pump, or towel out standing water, or decontaminate, prior to allowing launch. On exit from prevention and other ANS containment reservoirs, drain to the best of your ability including pulling water drain plugs and remind the boater to dry. Rule #3—Boats with Unverifiable Water (e.g. Ballast, I/O, and Inboard Engines) for Unverifiable Water Follow the procedures A–C below for boats with unverifiable water in ballast tanks A. Watercraft without a green seal or receipt must get a mandatory standing water decontamination. B. Watercraft returning to the same location with a green seal and receipt must be fully drained and do not require decontamination. C. Watercraft moving between Colorado prevention (negative) waters with a green seal and white receipt must be fully drained and do not require decontamination. Educate all boaters to get green seals and receipts when exiting the WID Station! Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Live Aquatic Bait (see Chapter 6) • What do the regulations say about live aquatic bait? Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations require that all live aquatic bait must be purchased from an authorized Colorado bait dealer and must be accompanied by a dated receipt. The receipt is valid for ANS inspections for seven days. © PHIL MYERS, MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN • • Live fish are only allowed for use as bait on the East Slope below 7,000 feet and at Navajo Reservoir. • In those areas, the transportation of live fish as bait is prohibited between waters unless it was purchased from a Colorado bait dealer, as described above. • Fish harvested in the wild for use as live bait can only be used in the water in which it was caught and cannot be transported or stored for later use. • The exception is fish harvested within Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, or Prowers counties which can be transported and used only within those six counties. The transportation of live crayfish is prohibited on the west slope and from Sanchez Reservoir. It is unlawful to transport live bait across state lines without an importation permit. What is the protocol for live aquatic bait treatment? If a vessel has live aquatic bait in a container or a well with standing water, be sure to check the “Live Bait Present” field on the mobile application in the data collector. Then ask the boater for a bait receipt. Note: Under Colorado Fishing Regulations only live fish bait mandates a receipt that lists the name of the bait and the quantity/number. Other live aquatic bait (e.g. crayfish or salamanders) may only have a basic store receipt without that information. © John Woodling Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 79 �In places where live bait is allowed, the inspection or treatment will vary depending on the location and type of bait. If the boater has bait in a container with standing water, allow them to proceed and launch with the bait if the following three items are all true: • The receipt is from a Colorado bait dealer and • The receipt is dated no more than seven days and • The species listed on the receipt matches up with the bait in question. If the receipt is older than seven days, perform a bait treatment to remove the threat of ANS in the water. Ask the boater to remove the bait from the vessels live well or container and place it into a holding container. The live well or container must be drained and decontaminated using standard decontamination procedures (120ºF hot water rinse with low pressure) before the bait is returned. If entering, the container or well water can be replaced with water from the lake or reservoir the boat is launching in. If the boater DOES NOT have a receipt the live aquatic bait will not be permitted for use and will have to be properly disposed of in the trash. However, the following scenarios will result in the bait being allowed following a treatment: • If the bait is fish and was harvested within 1⁄ 2 mile of the reservoir from man-made ditches or canals. • If the bait is fish and was harvested within the SE six county exemption (John Martin Reservoir). • If the bait is wild harvested non-fish bait (crayfish, frogs, or salamanders). Out of state bait is not permitted for use. When the boater leaves your water, encourage him or her to properly dispose of unused bait in the trash, never in the water. Completely drain the live/bait well and any other containers. The container or well may need to be sponged, toweled, or pumped to get the water out so that nothing leaves the reservoir. Note: Any live aquatic bait purchased from an outof-state dealer is illegal and must be disposed of in the trash. Do not allow it to be used at your water body. What Options Does the Angler have if the Live Aquatic Bait is Not Allowed? If the live aquatic bait is not allowed at that site, the angler has a few options: • Leave the bait in the car or truck. • Dispose of the bait in the trash. • Go fishing at a different reservoir where that bait is allowed. 80 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Reporting All persons have a duty to immediately report suspect or known ANS to CPW per state law. If you see something you think is an ANS while you are working or playing in the outdoors, please report it to the ANS Program Office. The ANS Act requires that any person who knows or suspects an ANS is present (plant, animal, or pathogen) must immediately report the suspect to the ANS Program. Do not allow a known mussel boat to leave the WID Station without decontamination. Call Law Enforcement if the boat operator is not compliant and you need help! There are three options for general reporting: • State ANS Program Office: 1-303-291-7295 • Email: Invasive.Species@state.co.us • Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/ ISP-Report-Invader.aspx WID Reporting Requirements WID Supervisors must send ANS WID Activity Logs to CPW Invasive Species Program at 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 at the end of each month. OR enter the data into the excel template provided and email excel files to Invasive.Species@state.co.us. Data collector users will send data into the online database via cellular or MiFi. For assistance with the ANS web or mobile application, please contact the Istonish help desk at helpdesk@istonish.com or 1-888-390-7275. If you suspect that there is an ANS on a watercraft or in the reservoir (e.g. unidentifiable bumps on a boat or plants/animals in the reservoir), it is required that you collect the specimen, properly document, and report prior to decontamination. See Chapter 6 for detailed procedures regarding suspect watercraft and intercepting “mussel boats”. You or your supervisor must notify the ANS Program immediately via email, text or phone call. Documentation, samples, and photographs must be sent in within 24 hours. Full Decontamination: • Report • Document • Collect • Decontaminate • Re-Inspect State Parks Pre-Inspection Program Pre-Inspection is a program in place at select State Parks to provide access when inspectors are not present. Boaters that launch during pre-inspection hours must have a valid green seal and receipt prior to launching or they will be subject to fines. 1. Green seals with white receipts are valid for preinspection anywhere. 2. Green seals with blue receipts are only valid for pre-inspection at the same site the seal was issued or following decontamination. 3. Seals that are not green, including out of state seals, are NEVER valid for pre-inspection. Criteria for Pre-Inspection Implementation • The State Park must have law enforcement patrol available, preferably overnight, but definitely outside of inspection station hours of operation. • The State Park is prohibited from closing or locking the ramps outside of inspection hours. • The State Park is not a ZQM Containment water or has not been de-listed for ZQM in the past. • Pre-Inspection is approved by the reservoir owner and water operators. In State Parks with pre-inspection, the certified “Agent” must inspect boats according to state protocol when the inspection station is open. When the inspection station is not open, boats must provide proof of prior inspection by entering their own information into a log book and placing their seal and receipt into a drop box on the boat ramp. Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 81 �Procedure for Pre-Inspection Boat Operators: • Cut of the green seal. • Fill out the log paperwork. • Place the green seal and matching receipt in the drop box at the boat ramp. • Launch the boat. Regulations for Citation #103-n.5 pursuant to Title 33-10-106(2) (d) C.R.S. Unlawful [(launching) (attempt to launch) (operating) (removal)] of any [(vessel) (floating device)] without first submitting the [(vessel) (floating device) (specific equipment name) (associated equipment)] to inspection. V-Code: 6292 L Fine: $50.00 WID Station Staff: • Upon opening the station in the morning, compare the pre-inspection logs to the seals and receipts in the drop box, and to the trailers in the parking lot. • Identify any violators and provide that information to Law Enforcement. Title 33-10.5-105(1) (c) C.R.S.: No person shall knowingly or willfully refuse to comply with a proper order issued under this article. (First Offense) V-Code: 6292X Fine:$150.00 Note: Violators must be intercepted on the water or as they come off the water. Violators may be issued a citation. 82 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Outdoor Small Group Session— Inspection Practice Practice performing inspections and learn the protocols. Work in small groups of 2–3 people: Inspector, Boater, and Observer. • The Inspector should use the Data Collector or Activity Log. • The Boater should answer questions following the scenarios below. • The Observer should use the Quality Control Form. Once the practice inspection is complete, the Observer can report back to the group what was done well and what needs to be improved upon. Then switch jobs until each group member has been an Inspector, Boater, and Observer. Outdoor Hands-On Inspection Practice— Boater Scenarios Boater #1 The last place you were boating is Chatfield State Park. You have not been out of the state in the last 60 days. You have not been to any suspect, positive or infested waters in the last 60 days. You have been inspected before but are not well educated. You have no live aquatic bait. You have no ballast tanks. Boater #2 The last place you were boating is Blue Mesa Reservoir. You have not been out of the state in the last 60 days. You have not been to any suspect, positive or infested waters in the last 60 days. You have been inspected before and appear to be well educated. You have no live aquatic bait. You have no ballast tanks. Boater #3 The last place you were boating is Sylvan State Park (in South Dakota). Let the boat inspector ask you BOTH questions to learn that your last boating place was out of state. You have not been to any suspect, positive or infested waters in the last 60 days. You have never been inspected before. You have no live aquatic bait. You have no ballast tanks. Boater #4 The last place you originally say you were boating at is Lon Hagler SWA (there is no WID station there). In the last 60 days you claim to have boated at Chatfield, Horsetooth, Lake John, Eleven Mile, Elkhead, McPhee, and Antero (all four corners of the state). You later change your story and tell the inspector that you were really at Green Mountain last weekend. You appear very well educated about boat inspections and ANS—almost too well educated as if you are trying to avoid an inspection or decontamination by hiding the fact that you were at Green Mountain. You have no live aquatic bait. You have no ballast tanks. Boater #5 The last place you were boating is Carter Lake. You have not been out of state or to any suspect, positive or infested waters in the last 60 days. You have wild harvested crayfish with no receipt in standing water in your live well. You have no ballast tanks. Your boat is really dirty, crusty, and slimy. Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 83 �Chapter 5 Review Questions 1. Our goal as inspectors for every boat is no _______________ , _______________ , _______________ , and _______________. 2. Rank the following in order of priority as an inspector (1–5, with one being most important). _____ Drain _____ Inspect—Assess Risk _____ Safety _____ Educate the Boater _____ Decontaminate 3. Name three items that are mandatory equipment for an inspector during an inspection. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Which of these vessels should be impounded according to the Colorado protocol? a. The vessel with confirmed ANS and the boater refuses decontamination. b. The boater who is unhappy with the inspection process. c. The boater just came from Wyoming with standing water and it’s raining on the boat ramp. d. The boater has six gallons of ice and pop in the built-in cooler in their boat. 5. Circle true or false for the following statements about green seals. a. Green means go! True or False b. A green seal is proof of prior inspection. True or False c. It will speed up your entry to the next water. True or False d. You do not have to stop at the inspection station and have the seal and receipt verified. True or False e. You will be allowed to launch if you are returning to the same location or the watercraft is clean and dry. True or False f. If the watercraft is not clean and dry, you will most likely get re-inspected. True or False 6. As a civilian “authorized agent” you have the authority to: a. Impound watercraft b. Order a decontamination c. Search watercraft for alcohol and drugs d. Perform an inspection or decontamination with the permission of the operator e. None of the above 84 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �7. Which of the following is a way to remember how to do the hands-on part of an inspection? a. H.E.A.D.—Hull/Trailer, Engine/Motor, Anchor and Anchor Rope, Drain Interior Compartments b. B.O.A.T.—Bait, Outboard, Anchor, Transom c. F.I.S.H.—Front, Interior, Sails, Handrails d. C.D.D.—Clean, Drain, Dry 8. At Other ANS Positive Containment reservoirs, it is _____ that all boats be inspected upon exit. a. Mandatory b. Voluntary c. Mandatory only if the inspector has time 9. Which boats get a mandatory decontamination after boating in a containment reservoir? (circle all that apply) a. Boats with verifiable water that you can easily sponge out. b. Boat with unverifiable water in a single ballast tank. c. A canoe with an electric motor. d. A cabin cruiser that has an inboard engine. 10. When should you ask about live aquatic bait? a. Only when the boater does not have a green seal. b. Only when you see fishing poles on the boat entering the reservoir. c. Every time a boater enters or leaves your location, even when they have a green seal attached. d. Never. Checking for live aquatic bait is not part of the inspection process. 11. Boats with unverifiable water are required to get a standing water decontamination if they do not have a valid seal and white receipt from a negative reservoir (ballast, I/O, inboards) and are launching in a different water body next. True or False 12. What should you do if you suspect you have a mussel boat? (circle all that apply) a. Report b. Document c. Collect d. Decontaminate e. Panic Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 85 �13. Name the three roles of the inspector and decontaminators: 1. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________ 14. Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff trains boat inspectors and decontaminators (a.k.a. Authorized Agents). It is the job of the Agents to train whom? a. Boaters b. Anglers c. Members of the Public d. All of the Above 15. How long are bait receipts from Colorado authorized dealers valid for? a. 3 days b. 5 days c. 7 days d. 10 days 16. What are the names for the two types of water found on boats? a. Fresh water and salt water b. Distilled water and spring water c. Dirty water and clean water d. Verifiable water and unverifiable water 17. Use or possession of live fish as bait is allowed West of the continental divide except at Navajo Reservoir. True or False 18. Which of the following watercraft are considered “High Risk”? (Select All That Apply) a. A boat that DOES NOT have a matching seal and receipt. b. A boat with a seal that is not green. c. A boat with a green seal and a blue receipt from a location with ANS not present at your WID station. Day 1 Homework 1. Memorize the Entrance Inspection Procedure 2. Answer All Questions at the End of Chapters 1–5 86 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Outdoor Demonstration—Exit Inspection What Did You Observe? 1. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 2. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 3. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 5. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 6. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 7. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 8. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 9. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 10. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 11. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 12. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 13. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 14. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 15. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 16. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 17. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 18. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 19. ______________________________________________________________________________________ 20. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Chapter 5: Watercraft Inspection Procedures 87 �Notes _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ 88 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �C O L O R A D O P A R K S & W I L D L I F E Chapter 6 Watercraft Decontamination Procedures Content updated from the CDOW Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Watercraft Decontamination Manual, 2011 Made possible by a grant from CPW does not endorse any products or brands pictured or mentioned in this manual/chapter. Revised March 2020 cpw.state.co.us Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 89 ��Why watercraft decontamination? What does watercraft decontamination generally consist of? Invasive species, such as zebra or quagga mussels, are able to travel great distances over land by Watercraft decontamination consists of a very “hitchhiking” on watercraft. They can survive up hot water rinse or spray at high or low pressure. to 30 days out of water depending on temperature There are no soaps, bleaches, or chemicals used or or humidity. Through a comprehensive education, recommended at this time. The hot water kills the inspection, and decontamination program, we mussels and other ANS, and the high pressure spray can stop the spread of these costly invasives in the removes them from the watercraft. West. Once detected on watercraft, zebra or quagga The protocol is to use 140ºF water at high pressure mussels and other aquatic nuisance species (ANS) (3,000 psi) to decontaminate the hull and 140ºF water can safely and effectively be killed and removed from at low pressure to decontaminate motors/engines. the watercraft by certified personnel. The Western Interior compartments are decontaminated with Regional Panel, and most western states, follow 120ºF at low pressure. the Uniform Minimum Protocols and Standards (UMPS III), which requires the use of hot water Figure 1 tells us that a 140ºF (60ºC) hot water rinse for with high or low pressure to decontaminate boats, ten seconds will kill all adult mussels. A 176ºF (80ºC) motors and engines, trailers, personal gear, and other rinse for five seconds will kill all adult mussels. Higher equipment. The objective of decontamination is to temperatures are not recommended for the protection kill and remove, to the extent practical, all mussels or of the watercraft. suspected ANS. Killing ANS prevents establishment of new populations as a result of watercraft and equipment transfer. FIGURE 1 When will decontamination be required? Most inspections will not result in a decontamination being performed. However, there are numerous circumstances that will result in a decontamination being performed: • If zebra or quagga mussels are found attached to a watercraft. • If any other ANS is positively identified or suspected on a watercraft. • If suspect unidentifiable bumps are detected on a watercraft. • If the watercraft is from a suspect, positive, or infested water and has any water in it and has not been decontaminated. • If the watercraft has unverifiable water (e.g. ballast tank, inboard or inboard/ outboard engine) and does not have a seal and receipt. • If the watercraft or trailer has plants attached that can’t be removed by hand. • If the watercraft has live aquatic bait without a valid receipt. • If the inspector deems a decontamination is necessary. Figure 2 shows that there was 0% survival of quagga mussel veligers in water temperatures of 95ºF (35ºC). Therefore, the reduced temperature of 120ºF for interior compartment standing water decontaminations for the protection of the watercraft is more than sufficient to kill veligers in those interior compartments. This research reinforces the importance of standing water decontaminations for boats leaving listed waters, even if no adults or settlers Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 91 �are found on the vessel, because it proved that veligers can live in standing water for up to 24 days at 50ºF (10ºC), 8.5 days at 59ºF (15ºC) or 4.5 days at 86ºF (30ºC). FIGURE 2 Standing water decontamination is required if the: • Watercraft did not get a decontamination when leaving a suspect, positive, or infested water body and has ANY water in it. • Watercraft has unverifiable water (ballast, I/O or inboard engines) and does NOT have a valid seal and receipt. • If the watercraft is unable to be fully drained and the water can’t be sponged, toweled or pumped out. The standing water decontamination protocol requires that pump temperature ratings are taken into account when flushing or rinsing a compartment for standing water. Some, but not all, marine pumps are rated to withstand temperatures above 140ºF. If the pump is rated to a lower temperature and is flushed with 140ºF water, damage could occur. For this reason, the protocol requires applying 120ºF in all interior compartment flushes or standing water decontaminations. Standing water decontaminations of engines are performed at 140ºF at low pressure. What are the different types of decontamination? There are four different types of watercraft decontaminations. Each of these will be described in greater detail later in the chapter. Standing Water Decontamination This protocol is performed to kill veligers or other ANS in standing water that can’t be fully drained from the watercraft. This type of decontamination applies to interior compartments that contain water or have equipment that has come in contact with the water body. The interior compartments include but are not limited to: live wells, bait wells, bilge areas, anchor lockers, equipment storage, sea strainers, and ballast tanks. Equipment includes but is not limited to: anchor, mooring and anchor lines, PFD’s, swim platform, inflatables, down-riggers planning boards, water skis, wake boards, ropes, ice chests (used for bait or for holding fish), fishing gear, drift socks, bait buckets, and stringers. Standing water decontamination also includes flushing the outboard motor, I/O engine, or inboard engine of a watercraft. 92 Plant Decontamination This decontamination is performed whenever plant material cannot be removed from the watercraft or trailer by hand. The hot water application is localized and requires using 140ºF hot water for 15 seconds directly on the plant material. Bait Decontamination This decontamination prevents the transfer of ANS being used as bait and as contaminants in standing water in a bait well or bucket. Strict step-by-step procedures must be followed if the bait receipt is older than seven days. If the bait is from out of state, or the bait is not permitted, the bait should be disposed of in the trash. If the boater has no receipt, and the bait is allowed, follow the bait decontamination procedure found later in this book. Full Decontamination for Suspected or Known Zebra and Quagga Mussels This protocol is performed when adult or settler mussels, unidentifiable bumps, or other ANS are detected on the watercraft. This decontamination is the most complicated of the four types and ensures that the boat has been completely decontaminated inside and out. The inspector must take photos and samples for identification prior to doing a full decontamination. Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �In rare instances, you may require the assistance of law enforcement personnel to decontaminate or impound a boat. A few of the situations that would require a qualified peace officer to assist include an uncooperative boat owner, an unavailable or broken decontamination unit, or instances in which an inspector simply can’t get a fully encrusted watercraft decontaminated in one day. Where should watercraft decontamination stations be located? Watercraft inspection, draining, and decontamination should be located in the same general area. The location should be far enough from the water or boat ramp that drained bilge/ballast/well water and water from the decontamination unit cannot flow into the water body. WID Stations are ideally on an access road where all boats must pass prior to launch and after exiting the boat ramp. The station should be far enough away from the ramp to allow users, especially overnight campers, to move through the interior of the property or park without going through the inspection and decontamination station unnecessarily. Decontaminations should be conducted “high and dry,” away from the water. The minimum requirements for decontamination unit placement include: • Must be in a location where the water does not run off into the reservoir or lake. • Must be on semi-permeable surface (gravel or dirt) where water absorbs into the ground or evaporates off. • Must be in a location where the inspector can maintain visual and auditory contact with the inspection station (which in many instances is the boat ramp but not always). • Must be in a secure facility where the decontamination unit is locked up over night or when inspectors are not present. • Must be protected from the elements—rain, wind, excessive cold. • Must be in compliance with all waste water disposal requirements in local and state laws and regulations. When should a portable water containment pad be used? If a suitable site (high and dry, away from the water source, and on a semi-permeable surface) is not available, or you are using a large enough amount of water that it is not absorbing into the ground and is ponding, you will be required to use a water containment pad to ensure waste water is collected and properly disposed of. What are the requirements for a decontamination unit? • • • The unit needs to have an adjustable thermostat that is able to be set at 120–140ºF and maintain a constant temperature without fluctuation greater than 2 degrees. Minimum flow of five gallons per minute. Preferred pressure of 3,000 psi. (minimum 2,500—maximum 3,500) Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 93 �What are the standard operating procedures for a decontamination unit? Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s operating procedures specific to your unit. Step-by-Step Operating Instructions for Trailered Hydro Tek Decontamination Units Before start up 1—Check pump oil. Check pump oil by locating the yellow oil dip stick on top of the pump. 2—Check fluid levels. Check engine oil by locating the yellow dip stick on the engine. Check the gasoline and diesel fuel levels in the tank. 3—Roll out the hose all the way and and double check all quick connects. 4—Connect the water supply and turn water on. Maintain an adequate supply of water using a 3⁄4 inch I.D. hose with a pressure between 25 and 60 psi. Burner power switches should be off before starting. If the decontamination unit is tank fed, be sure there is water in the tank and the valve is switched for supply tank feed. Do not run dry. Operation 1—Starting. Pull out choke and turn the key to start position only until engine starts. Push the choke in immediately after engine starts. 2—Purge air from system. Squeeze the trigger on the spray gun until a constant stream of water comes out. (Purging works best with the nozzle removed from the wand and/or dual wand in the low-pressure mode). 3—Select desired nozzle. Connect a 40º nozzle securely to the spray wand. Hold the gun firmly, squeeze the trigger for high-pressure spray. CAUTION: gun kicks back—hold with both hands. 94 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �4—Start the burner. To create hot water on high pressure washers equipped with heat exchangers, release the trigger on the gun, turn the burner to the “on” position, and turn the thermostat to the desired temperature. Squeeze the trigger on the spray gun and the burner will begin heating the water. The burner will stop heating the water whenever the water spray is off or if the temperature setting is exceeded. Be sure to test the water temperature prior to decontaminating to ensure you are working at the correct temperature for that procedure (either 140ºF or 120ºF). 5—Bypass mode. System will go into bypass mode when the machine is left running and the trigger gun is released. Bypass mode is when the inlet water coming into the pump re-circulates through the unloader across the pump head. If left in bypass too long—more than one minute—friction created by the movement of the water will begin to heat the water at a rapid rate. If equipped with a bulk water tank, water can be bypassed back through the tank allowing for a larger volume of water to be re-circulated through the pump head, thus reducing heat on the pump seals. WARNING: Do not leave in bypass for longer than one minute to prevent the pump from overheating. Shut off the unit when not spraying water. 6—Perform appropriate decontamination protocol. Shut down WARNING: Cool down the burner before shutting off the decontamination unit. 1—Turn the burner switch to the off position. 2—Squeeze the trigger on the spray gun until the water becomes cool. 3—Turn the engine switch off. 4—Turn off water supply. 5—Squeeze the trigger to release any trapped pressure in discharge hose. 6—Drain water out of the hose and roll up. 7—Disconnect attachments and store properly. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 95 �What is included in the standard decontamination protocol? To ensure that zebra and quagga mussels and other ANS are killed and removed, watercraft decontamination protocols include: Safety! Keep staff and the public safe by wearing all personal protective equipment including a heat resistant suit, taking care to avoid slips, trips, falls, and burns. Use caution when operating the high pressure spray wand. LIFE ARKS & WILD COLORADO P Boater’s Guide to Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Inspections cpw.state.co.us Education Explain to the boater why decontamination is important and why we are doing it. You can direct them to the Boaters Guide to ANS Inspections brochure and have them read it in a safe location while you perform the decontamination. Removal All mud, plants, water, and organisms must be removed from the vessel. Decontamination Thoroughly flush the interior compartments and spray the exterior of the watercraft with hot water. • All discharge ports or through hull fittings must be flushed with 120ºF water at low pressure for one minute or until the water back flushes. • All interior compartments that may hold water, including, but not limited to: live/bait wells, ballast, bilge areas and intakes must be flushed at low pressure with 120ºF water. • If a bilge pump is present, then it must be run until the bilge appears to be empty. • The lower unit of the engine should be thoroughly flushed with 140ºF water at low pressure until exiting water temperature is 140ºF. • The gimbal area must be sprayed with low pressure 140ºF water for 2 minutes. • The exterior of the watercraft and trailer must be thoroughly decontaminated with 140ºF water with low and high pressure. When doing a full decontamination for suspect or known ANS, be sure to fill out all required paperwork, take photos before and after decontamination, collect samples, and do a thorough inspection both before and after the decontamination. 96 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Bait Depending on the location and type of live aquatic bait, the inspection or treatment will vary. See the bait treatment section on page 110. Report Report a mussel boat to your supervisor. Inspectors must report all suspect mussel boats and/or full decontaminations to the CPW ANS Program office immediately. Inspectors must also fill out the full decontamination workflow in the data collectors and submit that record electronically at the time of interception and/or decontamination. Photos must be emailed and samples mailed with paperwork to the CPW ANS Lab within 48 hours. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Aquatic Nuisance Species Lab 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 Email: Invasive.Species@state.co.us Phone: 303-291-7295 All other decontaminations are documented in the Data Collectors or the Activity Log. Seals and Receipts If the boat is leaving your site following any decontamination, apply a green seal and give the boat operator a seal receipt. Provide the boater with the pink copies of paper forms to document the decontamination. Write in notes section if anything wasn’t working—for example, if a flush wasn’t done because the engine battery was dead. What is the protocol for standing water decontaminations? Zebra and quagga mussels start off life as microscopic, free-floating organisms called veligers that are too small to see with the naked eye. They can be transported to new locations in standing water in live wells, bilge areas, and other interior compartments on boats. Mussels aren’t the only unseen invasive species. Others, such as the waterflea, are also microscopic and transported in water from the lake or reservoir. Small plant fragments that get sucked up in water onto the boat could start a new infestation in another lake. To prevent the overland movement of all invasive species through standing water on boats, the lake Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 97 �Be extremely cautious with OUT OF STATE BOATS because some other states do not have extensive sampling programs focused on early detection. We do not know which lakes are or are not infested in those states. If a watercraft from out of state has any standing water that can’t be removed (e.g. unverifiable water) it must get a minimum of a standing water decontamination. What is the protocol for standing water decontaminations? (cont.) or reservoir water must be fully drained out of the boat in between each use. If the standing water cannot be fully drained, the compartment needs to be decontaminated. This protocol is used to force infested water out of the boat while killing veligers and other ANS in the water. The water must reach 120ºF coming out of the boat for interior compartments, or 140ºF for engines and motors. The high pressure wand is never used in this protocol. If boats have been drained to the fullest extent possible and still contain standing water in the bilge, ballast tanks, live/bait wells, or engines, then you will need to follow the rules below to determine if decontamination is required. • A boat from suspect, positive or infested water that was not decontaminated upon exit and has ANY standing water present, must be decontaminated. This includes water in ballast tanks, inboards, and I/O engines. • For an undocumented boat (no seal and receipt) with unverifiable water (ballast tanks, inboards and I/O engines), a standing water decontamination is required. • Colorado protocol requires that watercraft must be clean, drained and dry before it is allowed to launch into waters of the state. If a boat has small amounts of standing water and the boat has not been in suspect, positive or infested waters, inspectors must still remove the water from the boat. The inspector should have a small pump and sponges/towels available at the inspection station to assist with the draining of boats. If using these tools does not ensure a fully drained vessel (e.g. gravity emptied live wells with long discharge hoses) then the interior compartments with water remaining should be flushed with 120ºF water. 98 Interior compartments that may hold water, including, but not limited to live/bait wells, ballast, anchor compartments, bilge areas and their corresponding intake ports, must be flushed with 120ºF water at low pressure. This can be accomplished by using the diffuser attachment. Due to research findings about ballast, bilge, and live/bait well pumps it is important to adjust the temperature of the decontamination unit to 120ºF to ensure that no damage is done to the pump during the decontamination process. Note: Prior to decontaminating interior compartments with pumps, be sure that you have tested the temperature of the water to ensure that your unit is operating at 120ºF and verify using a digital thermometer that the water reaches 120ºF exiting the boat. Engines and motors are flushed using 140ºF low pressure hot water. What are pump temperature ratings? Pump manufacturers were consulted during the drafting of these procedures. In rare occasions, marine transfer pumps could be damaged by the use of hot water temperatures during the decontamination process. More research is needed in this arena. The following is a list of some popular manufacturers, pump types and their recommended temperature ratings. Due to the complexity of pumps and the various brands and ratings, it is required that interior compartments are decontaminated at 120ºF with low pressure. Pump Temperature Rating Table Manufacturer Temperature Rating Atwood Corporation 130ºF 170ºF Johnson Pumps of America SHURflo Pumps ITT Manufacturers Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures 140ºF 120ºF �Step-by-Step Procedure for Standing Water Decontaminations Standing Water Decontamination of Interior Compartments 1—Follow the standard operating procedures for your decontamination unit. • Check all fluid levels of the decontamination unit. With the trigger squeezed, start the unit and purge the water until it runs clear. 2—Turn on the burner, and measure the temperature of the water. • 120ºF exit temperature • Low pressure 3—Start the decontamination by placing the tip of the wand (nozzle removed) or the diffuser on the through hull discharge port(s) and flush this for one minute or until the water back flushes. Diffuser attachment shown. 4—Turn off the decontamination unit by turning the burner off first and then turn off the key so that the unit does not stay in the bypass mode too long while you are climbing into the boat to flush the interior compartments. 5—Next, have the boat operator open all interior compartments that need to be decontaminated and remove plugs. Restart the decontamination unit and flush the compartment. Use a thermometer and measure the temperature at the through hull discharge port for that compartment. Continue flushing until the exit temperature of the water is 120ºF. Be sure to keep the tip of the attachment close to the sides of the compartment to prevent temperature loss. Start at the bow of the boat and work your way to the stern. 6—If equipped, have the boater turn on the discharge pump for the compartment. 7—Turn off the decontamination unit when you have completed decontaminating all necessary interior compartments. Turn the burner off first, run some water through the boiler and then turn off the key. Follow the standard operating procedures for shutting down your decontamination unit. 8—Submit a completed electronic record in the Data Collector or on the paper Activity Log. 9—Remind the boater to dry and leave all water drain plugs out during overland transport. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 99 �Step-by-Step Procedure for Standing Water Decontaminations (cont.) Standing Water Decontamination of Outboard Motors and Inboard/Outboard Engines Outboard Motor • 140ºF exit temperature • Low pressure Inboard/Outboard Engine All decontamination stations should have at least two models of decontamination muffs; a type for the newer Mercury engines that threads through the intake ports that are completely open; and another clamp style muff for all other engines. The following photos show the use of the threaded Mercury muffs. 1—Attach the hose to the end of the wand (quick connect fitting). 2—Then attach the muff attachment to the hose. 100 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �3—Make sure the motor/engine is completely lowered. Place the muffs so that all the intake openings are completely covered. When threading the Mercury muffs, place the wire through the center opening to ensure all openings are covered. 4—Start the decontamination unit following the standard operating procedures. Note: If operating in colder climates, allow the engine to warm up by running water through prior to starting the burner. 5—Start the water by engaging the trigger. Check to make sure the intake openings are still covered on both sides and that the muffs are tight. 6—Stand clear of the propeller and have the boat operator start the motor/engine in Neutral. Note: If the engine is not uptaking water when it is turned on in neutral, turn off the engine and decon unit, and re-adjust the muffs. 7—Flush the engine until the water temperature is 140ºF when measured by a thermometer at the discharge port(s). 8—Have the boat operator turn off the motor/engine. 9—Turn off the decontamination unit by turning the burner off first, run some water through the boiler and then turn off the key. Follow standard operating procedures for shutting down your decontamination unit. 10—Remove the muffs and allow the motor/engine to drain; have boat operator raise and lower the motor/engine twice. 11—Submit a completed electronic record in the Data Collector or on the paper Activity Log. 12—If exiting, apply a seal and give the boater a properly filled out receipt. 13—Remind the boater to dry and leave all water drain plugs out during overland transport. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 101 �Step-by-Step Procedure for Standing Water Decontaminations (cont.) Standing Water Decontamination of Inboard Engines and their Bilges Note: Most inboards, but not all, that have the engine in the center of the boat do not have ballast tanks. • Engine: 140ºF exit temperature • Bilge: 120ºF exit temperature • Low pressure All inboard intakes, which are located on the bottom of the hull directly under the engine, have a cover over the opening that protects the engine from sucking up large particulates. Some inboards have a hose attachment in the engine compartment for decontamination. However, this boat still needs to have hot water flushed between the intake hull fitting and the hose that connects to the engine for thorough decontamination. 1—Attach the hose to the end of the wand (quick connect fitting) and then attach the fake-a-lake attachment. 2—The fake-a-lake must be placed snuggly against the bottom of the hull covering the intake port for the inboard. 102 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �3—Start the decontamination unit following the standard operating procedures. 4—Start the water by engaging the trigger. 5—Stand clear of the propeller and have the boat operator start the engine in neutral. 6—Flush the engine with low pressure water until the exit temperature of the water is 140ºF when measured with a thermometer at the discharge port(s). 7—Have the boat operator turn off the engine. 8—Turn off the decontamination unit by turning the burner off first and then turn off the key. 9—Remove the fake-a-lake from under the boat; disconnect the hose from the wand. 10—Flush the bilge with 120ºF low pressure water. a. Make sure that the bilge plug, located in the center access area, is in. b. Add 4–5 gallons of water into the bilge by putting the diffuser down behind the engine next to the floor. c. Then remove the bilge plug and continue to flush until the exiting water reaches 120ºF. Note: The auto float valve bilge pump will come on if you exceed the allowable amount for that watercraft. 11—Turn off the decontamination unit by turning the burner off first, run some water through the boiler and then turn off the key, and have the boat operator run the pump to assist in water removal. Follow the standard operating procedures for your decontamination unit. 12—Submit a completed electronic record in the Data Collector or on the paper Activity Log. 13—If exiting, apply a seal and give the boater a properly filled out receipt. 14—Remind the boater to dry and leave all water drain plugs out during overland transport. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 103 �Step-by-Step Procedure for Standing Water Decontaminations (cont.) Standing Water Decontamination of Ballast Tanks Note: Most inboards, but not all, that have the engine in the center of the boat do not have ballast tanks. • 120ºF exit temperature • Low pressure 1—Follow the standard operating procedures for your decontamination unit. • Check all fluid levels of the decontamination unit. With the trigger squeezed, start the unit and purge the water until it runs clear. 2—Turn on the burner, and measure the temperature of the water. Note: You must first identify which through hull fittings are outlets for ballast tanks and then back flush. Be aware that some through hull fittings for ballast tanks have one way valves so if the water rushes back out, you will not be able to perform the back flush. 3—Once the water temperature reaches 120ºF, start the decontamination by placing the tip of the wand or the diffuser on the through hull discharge port(s) and flush this for one minute or until the water back flushes. 4—Turn off the decontamination unit by turning the burner off first and then turn off the key so that the unit does not stay in the bypass mode too long while you are changing the attachments. 5—Attach the hose to the end of the wand (quick connect fitting) and then attach the fake-a-lake attachment. 104 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �6—The fake-a-lake must be placed snuggly against the bottom of the hull covering the intake port for the ballast tank. 7—Start the decontamination unit and then start the water by engaging the trigger. 8—Have the boat operator turn on the intake ballast pump. Fill it up with low pressure or until the exit water temperature reaches 120ºF. If there is no ballast tank discharge pump, flush the ballast tanks with 120ºF water for at least 2 minutes. If you have a “mussel boat” and are doing a full decontamination, fill up each ballast tank to 100% capacity and drain it twice with hot water at 120ºF. All other scenarios, ballast tanks will be flushed until the decontamination water temperature exiting the watercraft is 120ºF. 9—Have the boat operator turn off the intake ballast pump. Release the trigger to stop the water flow after the pump is off. 10—Turn off the decontamination unit by turning the burner off first, run some water through the boiler and then turn off the key so that the unit does not stay in the bypass mode too long while you are changing the location of the fake-a-lake. 11—Have the boat operator turn on the ballast tank discharge pump to drain the tank as much as possible. 12—Repeat these steps for every ballast tank. 13—Submit a completed electronic record in the Data Collector or on the paper Activity Log. 14—Remind the boater to dry and leave all water drain plugs out during overland transport. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 105 �What is the protocol for plant decontamination? True aquatic plants are defined as plants that are • 140ºF exit normally completely or mostly submerged in water and temperature are unable to survive for long periods outside of water. • Low or high Submerged aquatic weeds are commonly transported pressure via watercraft and trailers, usually by getting tangled • 15 seconds around motors, engines, and anchors. Most aquatic weeds can establish new populations with only a tiny fragment of the parent plant. Those tiny fragments can be carried overland on watercraft, trailers, anchors, fishing equipment, water State ANS Regulation #803H prohibits the movement ski equipment, etc. It is the inspector and of watercraft overland with aquatic plants attached. the operator’s responsibility to ensure plants are not transported on boats. “Upon removal of a vessel or other floating device from During the entrance and exit inspection, waters of the state, and before leaving the boat launch any plant or plant fragment should be or parking area, the operator is required to remove hand removed and properly disposed of aquatic plants and water drain plug(s). It is prohibited to away from the lake or reservoir by the transport a vessel or other floating device over land with inspector or boat operator. However, aquatic plants or water drain plugs in place.” there may be a situation when plant material is caught between the hull of the vessel and the trailer bunk or roller, or is wrapped around the propeller or transducer, and can’t be completely removed by hand. It is mandatory for the boat inspector to decontaminate those areas of the vessel where the plant fragments remain. Remember—heat kills. Step-by-Step Procedure for Plant Decontamination 1—Start the decontamination unit using the standard operating procedures for your unit. 2—Apply low pressure 140ºF water directly to the plants or plant fragments for 15 seconds. 3—Decontaminate areas where plants are located and can’t be removed: © MICHIGAN SEA GRANT If plant material is found on a boat with ballast tanks, the tanks must be flushed to eliminate possible fragments within. a. Trailer’s carpeted bunk. Use 140ºF water at low pressure. Move the wand/diffuser slowly along the length of the bunk. Keep the tip of the wand/diffuser close to the bunk to maintain an even temperature for at least 15 seconds. 106 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �b. Trailer’s frame, and rollers. Use 140ºF water at high pressure. Move the wand/diffuser slowly along the length of the trailer. Keep the tip of the wand/diffuser close to the trailer to maintain an even temperature for at least 15 seconds. c. Propeller. Use 140ºF water at high pressure. Be thorough and remove 100% of the plant material. In order to avoid excess splashback when decontaminating the propeller, the decontaminator can turn the wand handle one quarter turn away from him/herself to lower the pressure. d. Transducer. Use 140ºF water at low pressure. The wiring and “water wheel” attached to this instrument dictate that low pressure is used in order to prevent damage. e. Interior compartments. Follow standing water decontamination protocol. 4—Turn off the decontamination unit by first turning off the burner, engage the trigger to run water through the burner to cool it, and then turn off the key. Follow the standard operating procedures. 5—Submit a completed electronic record in the Data Collector or on the paper Activity Log. 6—If exiting, apply a seal and give the boater a properly filled out seal receipt. 7—Remind boater to dry and leave all water drain plugs out during overland transport. Note: If a boat from a reservoir/lake that is not known to be positive for that plant species (Eurasian watermilfoil for example) comes to your station and has plant material that you believe is an ANS, please take a sample following the protocol on the page 4 (ANS) Documentation and Vessel Decontamination Form: Specimen Collection and Shipping Instructions (see page 123). Send plant samples to: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Aquatic Nuisance Species Lab 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 Email: Invasive.Species@state.co.us Phone: 303-291-7295 Remove all plant material and dispose of it in the trash. If a complete removal is not possible, decontaminate the sections of the watercraft that are affected. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 107 �What are the Colorado regulations on live aquatic bait? Colorado Parks & Wildlife regulations require that all live aquatic bait must be purchased from an authorized Colorado bait dealer and must be accompanied by a dated receipt. The receipt is valid for ANS inspections for seven days. • Live fish are only allowed for use as bait on the East of the Continental Divide below 7,000 feet and at Navajo Reservoir. • In those areas, the transportation of live fish as bait is prohibited between waters unless it was purchased from a Colorado bait dealer, as described above. • Fish harvested in the wild for use as live bait can only be used in the water in which it was caught and cannot be transported or stored for later use. • The exception is fish harvested within Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, or Prowers counties which can be transported and used only within those six counties. • The transportation of live crayfish is prohibited West of the Continental Divide and from Sanchez Reservoir. • It is unlawful to transport live bait across state lines without an importation permit. © PHIL MYERS, MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN What is the protocol for live aquatic bait treatment? If a vessel has live aquatic bait in a container or a well with standing water, be sure to accurately record the bait in the Data Collector or Activity Log. Then ask the boater for a bait receipt. Remember: Under Colorado Fishing Regulations only live fish bait mandates a receipt that lists the name of the bait and the quantity/number. Other live aquatic bait (e.g. crayfish, salamanders, etc.) may only have a basic store receipt without that information. In places where live bait is allowed, the inspection or treatment will vary depending on the location and type of bait. © John Woodling 108 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �If the boater has bait in a container with standing water, allow them to proceed and launch with the bait if the following three items are all true: • The receipt is from a Colorado bait dealer and • The receipt is dated no more than seven days and • The species listed on the receipt matches up with the bait in question. If the receipt is older than seven days, perform a bait treatment to remove the threat of ANS in the bait water. Ask the boater to remove the bait from the vessels live well or container and place it into a holding container. The live well or container must be drained and decontaminated using standard decontamination procedures (120ºF hot water rinse with low pressure) before the bait is returned. If entering, the container or well water can be replaced with water from the lake or reservoir the boat is launching in. If the boater DOES NOT have a receipt the live aquatic bait will not be permitted for use and will have to be properly disposed of in the trash. However, the following scenarios will result in the bait being allowed following a treatment: • If the bait is fish and was harvested within 1⁄ 2 mile of the reservoir from man-made ditches or canals. • If the bait is fish and was harvested within the SE six county exemption. • If the bait is wild harvested non-fish bait (crayfish, frogs, or salamanders). Out-of-state bait is not permitted for use. When the boater leaves your waters, encourage them to properly dispose of bait in the trash, never in the water. Completely drain the live/bait well and any other containers. You may need to sponge or hand pump the water from the live/bait well out so that no water leaves your site. Note: Any live aquatic bait purchased from an outof-state dealer is illegal and must be disposed of in the trash. Do not allow it to be used at your water body. What options does the angler have if the live aquatic bait is not allowed? If the live aquatic bait is not allowed, the angler has a few options: • Leave the bait in their car or truck. • Dispose of the bait in the trash. • Go fishing at a different lake or reservoir where that bait is allowed. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 109 �Step-by-Step Protocol for Bait Treatment As much as possible, minimize transferring water to the holding container. The live/bait well or container must be drained and decontaminated using 120ºF low pressure water before the bait is restocked in the container that has been re-filled with water from the lake the boat will be entering. If a decontamination unit is unavailable or not working properly, completely dry out the original container using a paper towel or cloth. If exiting, do not allow water from any reservoir, especially a containment reservoir, to leave in a bait bucket or live well. • 120ºF exit temperature • Low pressure 1—Using a net, transfer the bait to a holding container filled with reservoir water. Minimize the transfer of water from the original container as much as possible. 2—Drain the original container or compartment (e.g. live well). 3—Follow standard operating procedures for your decontamination unit. • Check all fluid levels of the decontamination unit. With the trigger squeezed, start the unit and purge the water until it runs clear. Turn on the burner, and measure the temperature of the water. 4—Flush the live/bait well, compartment or container with low pressure until the exit temperature of the water reaches 120ºF. Be sure to keep the tip of the attachment close to the sides of the compartment to prevent temperature loss. If using the wand, be sure to remove the nozzle so that you are using low pressure. • If there is a discharge pump for the live/bait well, you can use a thermometer and measure the temperature exiting the through hull discharge port for that compartment. 110 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �5—Follow standard operating procedures for shutting down your decontamination unit. • Turn off the decontamination unit; turn the burner off first, run some water through the boiler and then turn off the key. 6—Whenever possible, water from the reservoir the boat is entering should be used for restocking the bait. Do not use tap water, as chlorinated water can kill live aquatic bait. 7—If exiting, the container or well water will be replaced with water from a sealed container or nonchlorinated source. Do not allow water from any reservoir, especially a containment reservoir, to leave in a bait bucket or live well. 8—Decontaminate all nets, buckets and equipment used with low pressure 120ºF water at the end of the procedure. 9—Submit a completed electronic record in the Data Collector or on the paper Activity Log. Full Decontamination for Suspect or Known Zebra or Quagga Mussels If you suspect that you have found mussels or another ANS, or you know you have a mussel boat, the following are the steps that you must perform to comply with Colorado State protocol. Even if only one single adult mussel shell is found, the watercraft must get a full decontamination according to this protocol. Any evidence or suspicion of adult or juvenile mussels requires a full decontamination. Remember it is required that you report, document, collect, and decontaminate. Follow these documentation and reporting procedures and do not allow the boater to leave with mussels or other ANS attached to the boat. If a watercraft is highly encrusted with zebra or quagga mussels, it can be quite difficult to effectively remove all the mussels from the watercraft. It can take several days for the dead mussels’ byssal threads to detach and for gravity to pull them out of the watercraft. Always try to remove all mussels from the watercraft prior to releasing it. If a boat is too highly infested to fully remove mussels at the inspection station, make arrangements for the boat to be serviced at a certified marina or marine business prior to releasing it. If the • 120ºF low pressure in interior • 140ºF low pressure on engine • 140ºF high pressure on exterior boat owner is not cooperative, you will need the assistance of law enforcement to quarantine or impound the watercraft or escort it to a certified marina or marine business to ensure all mussels are dead, removed, and not being transported illegally. Report Report your suspected ANS discovery immediately by calling your supervisor and the State ANS Program Office. The initial report can be brief but should include the following essential information: • Date/Time • Location—both the boat’s current location and it’s history (e.g. waters visited in the last 60 days) • Home state of the boat • Location where the boat became infested Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 111 �Full Decontamination for Suspect or Known Zebra or Quagga Mussels (cont.) • • • Suspected species of ANS Name of Reporter (Inspector) Name and contact information for the boat owner and the boat operator (if different) Document 1—Once mussels are found (or suspect mussels or other ANS), a full decontamination is required. You must first conduct a full inspection on the vessel to identify all areas that are infested. You must fill out the Data Collector record completely and accurately. Be as detailed as you can and inspect every part of the boat. 2—Take digital photos of the entire boat before, during (if possible), and after the decontamination. Always have extra batteries ready for the camera, set the date on the camera, and practice taking close up photos. • Start taking photos at the watercraft registration number and work your way around the boat to end at the same registration number. Note any damage or ANS on the boat. If available, take a video of the boat while you walk around it. Both video and photos are desired. Photograph an overview of the entire boat, the registration number, the rear of the boat (to verify the name of the boat), and note any areas where existing damage occurs on the boat, and the area(s) of the boat where the specimen is detected. End with a photo of the registration number. The standard number of photos is 10, but there is no maximum. • For boats with gimbals (inboard, inboard/ outboard, stern drives, etc.) get good photos of gimbal boots from several angles to document the before and after condition. • Take digital photos of the ANS specimen. Take both far away and close up photos of the specimen on the boat. Take photos of where the specimens are located on the boat. There may be numerous places, so be sure to photograph each location. Change your camera setting to close up mode (icon is a flower) and then take close up photos. If specimen is a zebra or quagga mussel, try to get a good close up photo of the byssal threads. Next, place a common object such as a pencil or penny next to the specimen and photograph the combination to show the relative size of the specimen. You must photograph the watercraft after decontamination in the same fashion and same locations as you photographed the boat before the decontamination. 3—In the Data Collector, be sure to accurately complete the data record for the full decontamination and submit. • Be sure to document specifically where the boat has launched, along with where it became infested and any waters it has launched in since infestation. If it is not known where it became infested, document all waters the boat visited in the last six months. Record as much information about the boat’s history as possible. Email the photos and description to Invasive.Species@ state.co.us and call within 24 hours at (303) 291-7295. Collect After photographing the vessel, collect several samples of the mussels or suspect ANS. Make sure the photos are in focus and the suspect ANS is clearly visible before the samples are detached from the boat. If possible, take photos of the sample collection being performed. Be sure to properly preserve the samples following the instructions on the top of the ANS Documentation and Vessel Decontamination Form: Specimen Collection and Shipping Instructions (page 123) utilizing supplies from the CPW-provided sampling kit. After the sample is removed, take photos of the infested area. All samples and the white copy of page 4 must be sent to the CPW ANS Lab within 24 hours. 1—Fill the vial halfway with 70% ethanol or grain alcohol, not rubbing alcohol. Alcohol for samples can be ordered through the program office. Even trace amounts of chlorine from tap water, or “de-chlorinated” tap water can completely destroy sample DNA. Collect as many specimens as will fit in the vial without it overflowing. It is ok to send more than one vial. 2—Tightly seal the vial. Write the date, location, and contact information on the vial’s label. If there are numerous areas of attachment on the boat, take samples from each of those areas as well. 3—Place the vials in a Ziploc® bag and wrap in bubble wrap to help protect it during shipment. 4—Complete the lower half of the ANS Documentation and Vessel Decontamination Form: Specimen Collection and Shipping Instructions and place in the padded envelop with the sample(s). 112 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �5—Overnight the envelope ASAP (within 24 hours) to: CPW ANS Lab 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 6—Email Invasive.Species@state.co.us or call 303-2917295 to notify CPW that the sample is being shipped. Decontaminate For a full decontamination, all parts of watercraft that has come into contact with the water body must be exposed to hot water at the appropriate temperature and pressure to ensure the ANS are killed and removed. All WID stations in Colorado have a decontamination unit available. If you do not, and you know you have a mussel boat, call your Supervisor and/or the ANS Program Office for help and do not allow that boat to leave without decontamination. If needed, ask a qualified peace officer (Wildlife Manager, Park Ranger, Sheriff, etc.) to escort the watercraft to a nearby WID station or to quarantine the vessel until a decontamination unit can be brought to you. anchors, ropes, chains, gear, life jackets, fenders, sea strainers, drift socks, and other equipment that has come into contact with the water with 120ºF water at low pressure. M—Motor or Engine The motor must be flushed with 140ºF water at low pressure. The gimbal unit on an outboard or I/O must also be soaked. The engine compartment for an inboard must get a standing water decontamination. E—Exterior The hull must be first rinsed with 140ºF water at low pressure to kill the ANS, and then sprayed with high pressure to remove the ANS. The trailer must be sprayed and carpets soaked with 140ºF water. If the boat has an inboard engine, be sure to decontaminate the prop, prop shaft, and prop shaft support. Only certified individuals should operate decontamination units. Personal and public safety should always be top priority. Never allow a member of the public, volunteer, or a non-certified employee to decontaminate a boat. Be sure to document all procedures used to decontaminate the boat, including photographs or videos of the decontamination being performed. It is required that you decontaminate in the following order: a. Flush the Through hull discharge ports. b. Flush the Interior compartments on the boat. c. Flush the Motor/engine. d. Rinse the Exterior of the boat and trailer with 140ºF water to kill the mussels or ANS. High pressure spray the hull or infected areas to remove the mussels or ANS. Similar to inspection, it is critically important that you perform full decontaminations in a standardized and repeatable fashion every single time. Use the acronym TIME to help you remember the order of a full decontamination. Use your HEAD to inspect. Take your TIME to decontaminate. T—Through Hull Fittings Flush all discharge ports with 120ºF hot water at low pressure for one minute or until the water back flushes. I—Interior Compartments Bilge area and pump, live or bait wells and other interior compartments must be flushed with 120ºF water at low pressure. This includes soaking all carpets, Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 113 �Step-by-Step Protocol for Full Decontamination Once the inspector has reported the suspect or known infected watercraft, completed the paperwork, taken before photographs, and collected samples, the watercraft is now ready to be decontaminated. • 120ºF low pressure in interior • 140ºF low pressure on engine º • 140 F high pressure on exterior 1—Follow the standard operating procedures for your decontamination unit. Check all fluids on the decontamination unit to make sure it is ready to operate. 2—Connect the wand to the trigger to the hose. Start the decontamination unit using the proper operating procedures for your unit. 3—Check the temperature of the water and adjust the temperature depending on the procedure being performed at that time. 4—Before beginning decontamination, follow the boat owner into the boat. Work with the boater to prepare the interior compartments that need to be decontaminated. With help of the boat operator, identify the discharge ports for the interior compartments. Remember the acronym TIME to guide you through the procedure: 5—T = Through Hull Fittings Decontaminate the through hull discharge ports. Press the diffuser up against the opening of the through hull discharge ports and decontaminate each port with 120ºF water under low pressure for one minute or until the water back flushes. Turn off the decontamination unit. (Turn the burner off first and then turn off the key.) 6—I = Interior Compartments Decontaminate the interior compartments. Reposition the hose and wand to the forward interior compartments. Start the decontamination unit and work from the front to the back of the boat using low pressure 120ºF water to decontaminate every compartment that has standing water or has equipment that has come into contact with the water body. • If the boat has an inboard/outboard or inboard engine have the boater raise the lid of the engine compartment and place the wand behind the engine to decontaminate this area. • Turn off the decontamination unit. After all interior compartments have been decontaminated have the boat operator activate the pumps to drain the interior compartments as much as possible. 114 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �7—M = Motor or Engine Decontaminate the motor/engine. Turn the temperature of the unit to 140ºF. • Procedure for outboard motors and inboard/ outboard motors/engines. • Have the boat operator lower the motor/engine to a vertical position. Attach the hose to the end of the wand using the quick connect fitting. • Attach the muffs to the hose and place over the intake holes on the lower end of the motor/engine. • • • Start the decontamination unit and start the water flowing through the muffs. Check to make sure the intake holes are completely covered. Have the boater start the motor/engine in Neutral. Run until the exiting water reaches 140°F. Turn off the decontamination unit. The gimbal area of the inboard/ outboard engine must be soaked for a minimum of 2 minutes (it is important to do both a top flush and a side flush to ensure 100% mortality) with 140ºF water under low pressure to ensure adequate exposure time. Procedure for inboard engines • Find the engine inlet. This intake always has a screen cover and is located directly under the engine on the hull. • Attach the fake-a-lake to the hose. Adjust the fake-a-lake so that it covers the engine intake port. • Start the decontamination unit and start the water flowing. Have the boater start the engine in Neutral. Run until the exiting water reaches 140°F. Turn off the decontamination unit. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 115 �Step-by-Step Protocol for Full Decontamination (cont.) • Flush the bilge with 120ºF low pressure water. a. Make sure that the bilge plug, located in the center access area, is in. b. Add 4–5 gallons of water into the bilge by putting the wand (nozzle removed) down behind the engine next to the floor. c. Have the boat owner remove the bilge plug and continue to flush until the exiting water reaches 120ºF. Don’t stand in front of the discharge port— be aware the auto flow will come on. • On an inboard engine, the strut bearing and the rudder port must be decontaminated. a. Flush the strut bearing with low pressure. Remove the adult mussels with plastic scrapers and then flush with low pressure 140ºF. Use high pressure if attached mussels are found. b. Flush the rudder port. 116 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �8—E = Exterior Decontaminate the hull and trailer. First, remove adult mussels with plastic scrapers or other tools. Next, rinse the hull and trailer with 140°F hot water at low pressure to kill the ANS. Connect the 40º nozzle with the quick connect to the end of the wand so you can use high pressure spray to remove the ANS. Start the decontamination unit. Keep the wand at a 45º angle and work methodically in one direction. Do not use the wand to “scrub” the hull. Keep the tip of the wand approximately 6–12 inches away from the hull and trailer as you move around the boat. Water temperature decreases approximately 15 to 20º per foot of distance when sprayed from a power nozzle. WARNING: Use low pressure on all carpeted areas, decals, electrical connections, gimbal area on the inboard/outboard engine, interior compartments, transducers, and depth sounders and their wiring. On trailers, be sure to decontaminate the openings of the tubular frames. Turn off the decontamination unit. Turn the burner off first, run some water through the boiler and then turn off the key. Follow the standard operating procedures for your unit. 9—The gimbal area of the inboard/outboard engine must be decontaminated for two minutes with 140ºF water under low pressure to ensure adequate exposure time. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 117 �Step-by-Step Protocol for Full Decontamination (cont.) 10—Following full decontamination, give the boat some time to fully drain. In most cases of badly infested vessels, dead mussel shells will be released from the vessel and will drain out in the water following decontamination. • If mussel shells are still coming out of the areas draining or can be seen in interior compartments, you will need to re-flush those areas to remove all mussels. • Some jurisdictions may require a mandatory or voluntary dessication or drying time for infested watercraft following decontamination. The CPW ANS Program office will consult with law enforcement on a case by case basis to determine if a quarantine or impound is necessary when documentation cannot be achieved at the WID station. 11—Conduct a final thorough inspection of the vessel. Be sure to check all areas that were previously noted as infested prior to inspection. Also check all other areas of the boat to be sure that there are no mussels (dead or alive) remaining on the vessel. Be as accurate as possible when checking the numerous areas of the boat. If staff allows, it is preferable that the second inspection following decontamination is done by someone other than the person who did the initial inspection and decontamination. a. If there’s any evidence that mussels or other ANS remain—begin decontamination again! b. If it’s a highly encrusted watercraft you may consider quarantining or impounding the watercraft (if your legal authority allows for that) to allow the byssal threads to release and the mussels to be removed by subsequent decontaminations. You may also want to consider sending the boat with an escort to a certified marine business for servicing. If the boater is not cooperative with these options and you feel they are necessary, you may require the assistance of a qualified peace officer to order the quarantine or escort the watercraft to the dealer. 12—Within 24 hours—email the photos and mail the samples to the CPW ANS Lab. 13—Apply a green seal and give the boat operator the top copy of the seal receipt. Be sure to fill out all procedures that were and were not performed on the seal receipt. If this was an encrusted mussel boat write “MB” in the upper right corner of the seal receipt. 14—Remind the boater to fully dry and leave all water drain plugs out during overland transport. 15—Submit a completed electronic record in the Data Collector or on the paper Activity Log. 16—If the boat is not being launched at the station where it was decontaminated, and the destination is known, send a Watercraft Movement Notice using the Data Collector. 17—If the boat has launched in any waters since becoming infested, notify those lake managers or state coordinators. 118 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Full Decontamination Temperature and Pressure Table Area Temp Pressure Time Hull- through hole ports 120◦F Low 1 min Interior Compartments, carpeted areas, equipment 120◦F Low Motor 140◦F Low Gimbal 140◦F Low Hull, Trailer – to kill 140◦F Low Hull, Trailer – to remove 140◦F High, 45◦ angle Inboard – Prop Shaft support / Rudder 140◦F Low Inboard Engine Compartment 120◦F Low Exit Temp Reaches 140◦F 2 min Plug, Fill with 4-5 gal of 120◦F water, drain and flush till 120◦F on exit Standing Water, Plant, Bait Decontamination Table Time Exit Temp Treatment Location Temp Pressure Standing water Interior Compartments 120◦F Low Standing Water Ballast Tank 120◦F Low 120◦F Standing Water Engine 140◦F Low 140◦F Standing Water Gimbal 140◦F Low 2 min. Plant Carpeted bunks, transducer 140◦F Low 15 sec Plant Frame, Rollers, Prop 140◦F High 15 sec Bait -Entrance Interior Compartments or Live wells 120◦F Low Bait – Exit No Decon – Boater must bring distilled water Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 119 �What if the boater will not allow an inspection or decontamination? The goal is to gain the boater’s support for the program and process. Do everything that you can to get the boater’s approval to inspect the boat and decontaminate. If the owner is unwilling to cooperate, you will need the assistance of law enforcement officers to order decontamination, impound, or quarantine a boat. Guidelines concerning impoundment • If a boater is entering a water body and there is no evidence of mussels or other ANS on the boat, and the boater refuses an inspection, the boat should be turned away but not impounded. • If the boater is leaving a suspect, positive, or infested water body and the boater refuses an inspection, then the boat should be inspected prior to launching in another water body. If the • boat owner is not compliant, call law enforcement to impound the vessel until proper inspection and/or decontamination can be performed. If suspected or known mussels or other ANS are present on a boat and the boater will not consent to an inspection or decontamination, or if decontamination equipment is not available or working, then the boat should be impounded by law enforcement until decontamination can be performed. Do not let an infested vessel leave the inspection station without a law enforcement escort if it is infested or you suspect it is infested! If you are not able to detain the vessel until law enforcement can arrive, be sure to have all of the boater’s information and a physical description of the boater, the watercraft, and the towing vehicle so an officer can follow up. 120 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �What options does the boater have if the decontamination unit is broken or if the WID station doesn’t have a decontamination unit? Possession of zebra mussels, quagga mussels or other ANS is illegal. A boat is not allowed to transport zebra or quagga mussels or any ANS. If there is a reasonable belief that the watercraft has ANS present, call the nearest peace officer (e.g. Wildlife Manager, Park Ranger, County Sheriff, etc.) and call your supervisor. If zebra or quagga mussels are confirmed, do not allow the boat to leave until law enforcement officials arrive. Options include: • Quarantine the boat on site until a working decontamination unit can be brought there. • Escort the boat to the nearest decontamination station. • As an absolute last resort for a boat with standing water and no confirmed or suspected mussels or ANS, you could direct the boater to the nearest decontamination station, although this option is not preferred. Watercraft inspection and decontamination stations are placed at various locations throughout the state and western U.S. For the most updated list of these sites, call (303) 291-7295 or visit www.cpw.state.co.us. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 121 �122 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �State of Colorado Inspection/Sample #: Water Code Date (month, day, year) Boat Registration Number (ANS) DOCUMENTATION and VESSEL DECONTAMINATION FORM Specimen Collection and Shipping Instructions 1. Collect specimen carefully to obtain entire organism. Use clean, sterile tools to prevent contamination. 2. Place specimen in screw-capped sample vials. 3. Immediately fill vial (with specimen) with 70% ethanol. a. Only fill 50% of vial with 70% reagent alcohol to cover specimen and seal closed vial with electric tape to prevent leakage. Note: Trace amounts of chlorine from tap water, or “dechlorinated” tap water can completely destroy sample DNA. Do not use formaldehyde. 4. Write the date, boat registration number and authorized location directly on the sample tube with alcohol resistant permanent sharpie marker. 5. Place sample tubes in Ziploc bag and wrap in bubble wrap. 6. Place Ziploc bag and the completed form below in bubble mailer or padded box. 7. Overnight sample to CPW ANS, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216—ASAP (within 24 hours). 8. Email Invasive.Species@state.co.us to notify CPW that the sample is being shipped 9. If you have questions, call (303) 291-7295. 10. Remember to disinfect all collection tools by soaking them with 140ºF hot water or storing them in acidic acid or vinegar solution. t Remove bottom half of page and include in mailer with vials being shipped to CPW for analysis. SUSPECTED (ANS) COLLECTION FORM FOR WATERCRAFT INSPECTION STATIONS Authorized Agent’s Name: Inspector ID Number: Email: WID Station Supervisor Name: Phone Number: Email: WID Authorized Location Name: Address: Date and Time of Collection: Watercraft Registration Number: Trailer Plate Number: Watercraft Green Seal Code: REASON FOR COLLECTION (check all that apply) ❑ Visual ID of ANS ❑ Bumps on Boat/Trailer ❑ Zebra or Quagga Mussels Attached ❑ Plants on Boat/Trailer ❑ Unidentifiable Organic Material LOCATION OF SUSPECTED ANS PRIOR TO COLLECTION ❑ Watercraft Hull ❑ In Lake/Reservoir ❑ Motor ❑ Other: ❑ Live Well Date Mailed: ❑ Anchor ❑ Bilge ❑ Watercraft Interior t Do Not Write Below Line: For Lab Use Only Date Received at ANS Lab: Unique ID #: Date Identified: Notes: Technician: Further Analysis Needed: Collector Contacted with Results: DISTRIBUTION: White—Statewide Invasive Species Coordinator Colorado Parks & Wildlife Yellow—Inspection Location Pink—Owner/Operater 4/2014 14-EB2-2422/3079-14 Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 123 �Step-by-Step Instructions for Winterizing Trailered Hydro Tek Units Winterize the Decontamination Unit 1—Roll out six feet of pressure hose and hold the trigger in the open position. 2—Fill the container with two gallons of antifreeze. 3—Start up Hydro Tek unit and run the pump (no heat) until the colored antifreeze comes out of the gun. Shut down unit as soon as antifreeze comes out of the gun by following the standard operating procedures. Note: When switching the valve back to the water supply for decontamination, it is possible to recycle the two gallons of antifreeze which is in the machine and hose before the water begins to flow. 4—Connect supply hose and store with trigger in elevated position for winter to avoid antifreeze siphoning out. 5—Be sure to drain the water tank at the end of the season before storing in a secure location. 124 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Step-by-Step Instructions for Winterizing Non-Trailered Hydro Tek Units Winterize the Decontamination Unit 1—Pour a minimum of two gallons of RV/Antifreeze into the holding reservoir. 2—Depress the trigger. 3—Turn on the unit (no heat) and run it until antifreeze comes out through the trigger. 4—Store the unit with trigger in elevated position above the reservoir. To Operate a Winterized Unit: Begin by recycling the antifreeze into a clean container. When the water runs clear the unit is ready to use. It may be possible to re-use the antifreeze. A winterizing kit can also be used. This kit allows the decontamination unit to be winterized for protection. However, if it needs to be used for a decontamination, the operator just turns the yellow handle 90º, starts the unit (no heat) and recycles the antifreeze back into the red container. The unit is then ready to go. When finished with the decontamination, the operator turns the yellow handle back to the position shown in the photo and runs the unit (no heat) until the pink colored antifreeze comes out of the spray gun. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 125 �Decontamination Unit Photo Glossary Burner on/off switch—This switch activates the burner to heat the water. Squeeze the trigger on the spray gun and the burner will begin heating the water. It will stop firing whenever the water spray is off or if the temperature setting is exceeded. After turning the switch off, be sure to run water through the system to cool the boiler. Choke—When first starting the decontamination unit, pull the choke out and turn the key until the engine starts. Push the choke in immediately after the unit starts. Diffuser—This attachment connects directly to the spray gun and is used to decontaminate discharge ports, soak carpeted areas on the boat and/or trailer and standing water flushes for any interior compartments. It provides low pressure and a rubber tip to prevent scratching any surface. Dual lance wand—This attachment connects directly to the spray gun. The other end has a quick connect fitting so that a nozzle or connecting hose can be “quickly” attached by pressing down the outer ring and pressing the “other half” of the quick connect fitting into its center. The handle, when turned clockwise, directs the water through the lance with the quick connect fitting only. If a nozzle is attached the water exiting the wand will be at high pressure. The handle, when turned counter clockwise, directs the water through both lances and lowers the pressure of the water. A dual lance wand can be used for low pressure standing water flushes if there is no nozzle attached and the water is exiting both lances. 126 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Fake-a-lake—This attachment is used for decontaminating inboard engines and ballast tanks. It has a telescoping leg and the hose attachment threads into the connection on the “plunger,” joining the fake-a-lake to the hose to the wand. Hose for connecting attachments—This six foot hose has a quick connect fitting that connects to the end of the wand. The other end threads into the fake-a-lake or muff attachments needed for a decontamination. Muffs—Muffs are used to decontaminate the lower unit of an outboard motor or inboard/outboard engine. The muffs pictured at the top of the photo are used for all new models of the outboard motor and inboard/outboard Mercury engines that have open intake ports. The lower muffs are used on all other outboard and inboard/outboard motors or engines. Nozzle and nozzle storage—The Nozzle Storage area shows the degree of the nozzle written below the nozzle and its spray pattern is shown above the nozzle. The preferred spray pattern is 40º. Nozzle color and degrees can vary by manufacturer. A nozzle is attached to the end of the wand with a quick connect fitting. Be sure the quick connect “clicks” into place when attaching the nozzle. Point the wand and nozzle towards the ground when you first engage the trigger to start the water. This is a safety issue and will ensure that no one or nothing will be hurt or damaged if the nozzle blows off the wand. Note: All red colored nozzles (0º) have been removed and should never be used for boat decontaminations. The 15º nozzles are also not recommended. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 127 �Oil dip-stick for the decontamination unit’s engine—This should be checked prior to every use. Use 30-weight detergent oil to keep the oil reservoir topped off. Oil dip-stick for the decontamination unit’s pump—This should be checked prior to every use. Pump oil is used to keep the oil reservoir topped off. Quick connect fitting—This fitting comes in two parts. The part that is attached to the end of the wand has to have the external circle pressed down before the “male” portion of the fitting can be inserted. The external circle then must “click” in place to make a proper connection. Spray gun with trigger—This photo of the gun has the trigger held open. The wand or the diffuser attachment thread directly onto the gun. CAUTION: The spray gun kicks back when the trigger is engaged—hold with both hands. Thermometer—Thermometers are essential to the decontamination process. It is used to initially test the temperature of the water prior to the decontamination. It is also used to check the exiting water temperature when performing a standing water decontamination for interior compartments and engine flushes. 128 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �Thermostat—The thermostat allows the water temperature to be adjusted so that different decontamination temperature protocols can be adhered to by the inspector. Every machine’s temperature is different depending on the altitude of its location and the temperature of the water in the tank. Be sure to test the temperature of the water with a thermometer prior to beginning and during all decontaminations. Winterizing kit for trailered Hydro Tek units—This kit allows the decontamination unit to be winterized for protection. However, if it needs to be used for a decontamination, the operator just turns the yellow handle 90º, starts the unit (no heat) and recycles the antifreeze back into the red container. The unit is then ready for decontamination. When finished with the decontamination, the operator turns the yellow handle back to the position shown in the photo and runs the unit (no heat) until the pink colored antifreeze comes out of the spray gun. Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 129 �Chapter 6 Review Questions—Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 1. The goal of decontamination is to ______________ and ______________ ANS from a watercraft and trailer. 2. Although it is rare, we sometimes use chemicals to kill ANS during decontamination. True or False 3. What are the four types of decontamination and what are they used for? 1. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Why is the location important when we perform decontaminations? ______________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Put the following in the correct order when performing a full decontamination. 1. _______ a. Document 2. _______ b. Decontaminate 3. _______ c. Collect 4. _______ d. Report 6. According to the ANS protocols, which boat should get decontaminated? a. A boat from a positive or suspect water from last weekend that is completely dry everywhere. b. A boat from a positive or suspect water from 90 days ago with 2 gallons of water in an oily bilge. c. A boat from a positive or suspect water from 21 days ago with standing water. d. A boat from out of state that has no standing water. 7. When performing a flush of an I/O or outboard motor, always be clear of the prop and ask the boater to start the boat in: (circle one) a. drive b. neutral c. reverse. 8. What are the temperature requirements for decontamination? a. Interior Compartments = 100ºF; Exterior = 160ºF b. Interior Compartments = 120ºF; Exterior = 140ºF c. Interior Compartments = 140ºF; Exterior = 180ºF d. Interior Compartments = 180ºF; Exterior = 200ºF 130 Official State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) Protocols and Procedures �9. What order is recommended for a full decontamination of a boat? a. Hull, trailer, engine, back of boat, interior compartments, anchor b. Through hull discharge ports, interior compartments, motor/engine, rinse exterior and trailer, then high pressure hull and trailer. c. Engine, trailer, interior compartments, hull, back of boat, anchor d. Anchor, back of boat, trailer, hull, engine, interior compartments 10. How long do you back-flush discharge ports with low pressure, 120ºF water? ________________________________________ 11. How long do you decontaminate plants with low pressure, 140ºF water? ________________________________________ 12. How long do you flush the gimbal area with low pressure, 140ºF water? ________________________________________ 13. How often do you need to start up and use your decontamination unit if not performing regular decontaminations? ________________________________________ 14. Which one of these boats does NOT get a mandatory standing water decontamination if they have no seal and receipt? (circle one) a. Ski boat with an inboard/outboard engine b. Wakeboard boat with a ballast tank c. Fishing boat with an outboard motor d. Ski boat with an inboard engine 15. What attachment do you use to flush a ballast tank or inboard engine? a. Diffuser b. Dual Lance Wand c. Fake-a-Lake d. Engine muffs Chapter 6: Watercraft Decontamination Procedures 131 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Reports Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Official state watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) protocols and procedures Description An account of the resource Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) or aquatic invasive species (AIS) are also called non-native species, exotic species, non-indigenous species, noxious weeds, or pests. ANS can be plants or animals. Invasive aquatic plants are introduced plants that live either partially or completely submerged in the water and out-compete native species for light, space and nutrients creating a dense monoculture. Invasive aquatic animals also outcompete native species and require a watery habitat, but do not necessarily have to live entirely in water. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Colorado Parks & Wildlife Invasive Species Program Aquatic Nuisance Species Subject The topic of the resource Aquatic nuisance species ANS Aquatic invasive species AIS Boating Inspection Extent The size or duration of the resource. 135 pages Date Created Date of creation of the resource. Original adopted on 2009-02-20. Revised on 2020-03-01. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/">No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource English Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Colorado Parks and Wildlife