International Effort to Raise Awareness about Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with thirteen Great Lakes and northeastern states and five Canadian provinces, today announced the start of the seventh annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz. This international campaign informs boaters and other water recreationists about the risks of introducing and spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS). During this coordinated outreach effort, partners will educate the public at more than a thousand water access sites throughout the Great Lakes and Northeast regions from June 30 through July 13.

“DEC is committed to preventing the spread of invasive species, and the Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz empowers boaters in New York and beyond to take part in this important mission,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Alongside the Landing Blitz, initiatives like DEC’s Boat Steward Program and collaboration with our Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management provide crucial tools and education for water recreationists to learn how to protect their favorite lakes and rivers from AIS by cleaning, draining, and drying their watercraft and gear.”

Last year’s Landing Blitz saw more than 1,000 stewards, volunteers, and staff inspect approximately 190,000 boats, intercept more than 1,000 AIS, and educate more than 230,000 people across the northeastern United States and Canada. Millions of people learned about AIS prevention efforts through news releases and social media. During the remainder of the 2024 boating season, DEC's boat stewards performed an additional 189,576 inspections and intercepted an additional 12,184 in AIS at boat launches throughout New York State.

For more information on the Great Lakes and Northeast AIS Landing Blitz, including educational materials, location information, and volunteer opportunities, visit the Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz webpage and the Northeast AIS Landing Blitz webpage.

To help protect New York's lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, visit DEC's website for more information on AIS and a step-by-step guide for ridding boats and equipment of AIS. Watch a video on preventing the spread of AIS on DEC’s YouTube channel.