Watercraft Inspection Webinar Series
This 2015 - 2019 series, for which presentations and video is available, focuses on the logistics of starting and managing the watercraft inspection component of a water-based stewardship program. More in the links to the left
Also, two informative videos were released in summer 2019, one on aquatic invasive species
tips for boaters and another
dispelling common myths.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Launch Stewards
College students were hired as Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Launch Stewards during the summer months from 2011 - 2014 to teach boaters to inspect their watercraft in an effort to limit/prevent the spread of AIS; collect boater usage data; record AIS observations; and provide program-related educational programs.
Reports, Brochures, Rack Cards
New York State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Handbook More>
- Related News: Background on this Handbook More>
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers. Brochure. 2012. Mary Penney, New York Sea Grant Extension Program, Oswego, NY. (pdf)
This
brochure provides boaters with how-to tips for slowing the spread of
aquatic invasive species (AIS) and profiles for some AIS of concern
(Hydrilla, round goby, didymo and Eurasian watermilfoil). Included is a
convenient checklist, schematic, and inspection and disposal tips that
can be used to guide boaters through watercraft inspection for AIS.
Clean Boats, Clean Waters. Rack Card. 2013. Mary Penney, New York Sea
Grant Extension Program, Oswego, NY; Brittney Rogers, NYSG Launch
Steward (pdf) [1.5 MB file]
2013 NYSG Launch Steward Program Final Report. 2013. Mary Penney, New York Sea Grant Extension Program, Oswego, NY. | PDF
The
main goal of this program is to prevent/slow down the spread of aquatic
hitchhikers as well as educate boaters and the general public about
aquatic invasive species and the detrimental effects they have on the
ecosystems they are introduced to. For a period of 16 weeks beginning
around Memorial Day, the seven launch stewards worked at boat launches
in New York's Wayne, Oswego, Jefferson, Oneida Onondaga and Madison
counties. They also also attended eight additional background training
events and contributed to 18 outreach events.
The highest
trafficking seen was during July and August as the temperatures were
most ideal for boating. Optional surveys were performed at the launches
with boaters, collecting data on subjects including, but not limited to,
invasive species awareness, previous water bodies and preventative
methods. The data collected is used to help determine awareness of
invasive species and this program. It is also used to determine how the
invasive species are currently being spread.
Articles
2014
On YouTube: Sea Grant's Launch Stewards and Related Programs Help Prevent Invasive Species' Spread More>
We're just getting underway with 2014's Launch Stewards
program. As in previous years, this year's student-stewards will provide
watercraft inspection training and public outreach to boaters at select
launch ramps along Lake Ontario between Henderson Harbor and Sodus Bay
and on Oneida Lake. For more, check out some of last year's
steward-written publications on reducing the spread of aquatic invasive
species. You can find these stories under "NYSG 2013 Launch Stewards
Program News" on this page.
On YouTube: NYSG's Watercraft Inspection How-To Video More>
In this nearly 7 minute video, NYSG's launch stewards illustrate how you
can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species while enjoying your
recreational time on New York's waters.
2014 NYSG Waterfront Launch Stewards Educating Boaters on Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention More>
Waterfront Launch Steward Program Needs College Students in 7-County Area More>
NYSG is looking to hire college and graduate students to serve as 2014
Launch Stewards at waterfront venues in Cayuga, Jefferson, Madison,
Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Wayne counties.
2013
NYSG Specialists and Sea Grant Network Campaigns Lauded for Their Successes More>
From a Visionary Career Leadership Award to Two Top 100 Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative Success Stories, New York Sea Grant specialists
were acknowledged this year for their work in maintaining seafood safety
standards and keeping pharmaceuticals, personal care products and
invasive species out of New York's waterways.
What is That on My Line & How Do I Report It? More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Britney Rogers
Help Prevent AIS Spread BEFORE We Pay for Their Management
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Ryan Thompson
Can We Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers? Here’s How
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Clinton Whittaker
Water Chestnut Control: Start Early and Continue;
Pull Set for July 13 at Port Ontario
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Nicholas Spera
A Glance at the Aquatic Profile of Sodus Bay:
Learn More at June 22, 2013 Citizen Science Expo in Sodus Point
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Sophia Oliveira
2012
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers: New Launch Steward Program
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Matt Brincka
Non-Motorized Boaters: Raise Your Paddle Free of Debris
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Kyle L. Teufel
Is Oneida Lake Safe from Water Chestnuts?
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Nick Spera
NOT WANTED HERE! Hydrilla
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Shelby Persons
Controlling Sea Lamprey in Lake Ontario Tributaries: A First for New York State
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Julia Gilbert
Compost Invasive Plants into Organic Fertilizer
More>
By New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Ashley Regan
2011
Publication Series: Native or Invasive? More>
