New York Sea Grant’s new Great Lakes coastal stewardship how-to resources focus on slowing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). In a brochure entitled Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers: How-To Tips for Slowing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, Great Lakes boaters can learn how to inspect watercraft and protect NY’s waters from AIS. This brochure and accompanying video prepared by the 2012 New York Sea Grant Launch Stewards, offer how-to tips for slowing the spread of Hydrilla, composting AIS, learning and practicing watercraft inspection, and for practices that kayakers and canoeists can use to slow the spread of AIS. In addition, these resources show how to organize a water chestnut pull with local community associations, scouts, schools and environmental groups.

Information on NY’s first, fixed-crest low-head sea lamprey barrier, being constructed by the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission on Orwell Brook in Oswego County to reduce the populations of the parasitic fish in Lake Ontario, and a watercraft inspection how-to video are also part of the resources online at www.nyseagrant.org/ccd.

New York Sea Grant Community Development Specialist Mary Penney said, “The Stewards addressed timely, need-to-know issues of local interest by providing science-based facts and how-to information that the public can apply to help maintain and improve New York’s Great Lakes aquatic and shoreline habitats.”


New York Sea Grant Launch Steward Shelby Persons educates boaters about the importance of watercraft inspection. The other 2012 Launch Stewards are Matthew Brincka, Julia Gilbert, Ashley Regan, Nicholas Spera, and Kyle Teufel. Photo by Matthew Brincka

– Kara Lynn Dunn