Idaho’s Aquatic Invasive Species

The spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) like Quagga Mussels, Zebra Mussels, Eurasion Watermilfoil and New Zealand Mud Snails, pose a risk to Idaho’s native aquatic wildlife, ecosystems and to all of Idaho’s water-based recreation. Idaho’s most common AIS include the zebra mussel (a small, striped, shell, or mollusk) and the Eurasion Watermilfoil (a long, thick floating weed that sometimes has a pink flower (between June-August). Both of these Aquatic Invasive Species attach themselves to boat hulls and to boat motors.

Unfortunately, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) spread easily from one body of water to the next, which is why the Idaho legislature has passed The Idaho Invasive Species Act of 2008 and enacted the following state laws regarding AIS:

• It is illegal to introduce aquatic invasive species into Idaho waters.
• It is illegal to buy, distribute, sell or possess AIS, unless you have a permit from the Idaho Department of Agriculture, or, you meet other unique requirements specified in the Idaho Invasive Species Act.

If you violate these laws, you’ll be guilty of a misdemeanor and will be punished with a fine up to $3,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment.

Keep in mind, Idaho authorities, such as the Director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture, are permitted to inspect both public and private land and waters if there is suspicion of invasive species, in order to detect and destroy them.

In the state of Idaho, boaters must actively prevent the spread of AIS. Your boat could be infected without you even knowing it! As a preventative measure, perform the following actions every time your boat leaves a waterway:

• Look closely for AIS and remove anything you find!
• Drain all of the boat’s components on land before you trailer the boat away, this includes the bilge, motor, live well and any bait buckets (live boat is illegal in most of Idaho’s waterways!)
• Wash, rinse and air-dry your boat before you eave the area!

Idaho requires boaters (both motorized and human-powered) to purchase an Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) decal from the Idaho Department of Agriculture, prior to boat operation on Idaho waterways. These decals generate funds that go directly into Idaho’s AIS prevention programs.

This includes all motorized boats (both registered and from out of state) and all human-powered craft (i.e. canoes, kayaks and rowboats). Inflatable, human-powered craft that are less than 10 feet in length are exempted from this decal requirement.

Idaho’s Environmental Laws and Regulations

Responsible boaters understand that every time they place a vessel in the water, they risk polluting the marine environment. Keep the waters clean by following both the federal and state laws that are in place to protect the environment.

Idaho’s Waste Disposal Laws

Discharge of Trash

It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into federally controlled or state waters. Store trash in a container on board, and place it in a proper receptacle on shore.

Federal law requires you to display a 4 x 9-inch placard (sign) on any vessel 26 feet or longer. It must notify passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.

Discharge of Sewage and Waste

You are not required to have an installed toilet on your vessel. Many people use portable toilets and dispose of the waste at a public launch that has a pump-out station equipped for portable toilets.

For outings, equip your vessel with toilet facilities. Visit www.boatidaho.gov for a list of pump-out and sanitation sites.

If your vessel does have an installed toilet, federal law requires a U.S. Coast Guard-certified marine sanitation device (MSD) that is working properly.

Types of MSDs:

• Type I and II MSDs treat waste with special chemicals to kill bacteria. If you’ve a Type I or II MSD, it must have a holding tank for untreated waste and “Y” valve that must be secured in a closed position while operating in U.S. waters.
• Type III MSDs provide no treatment and are either holding tanks or portable toilets. Collected waste should be taken ashore and disposed of in a pump-out station or onshore toilet.

Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances

• It is illegal to discharge oil or hazardous substances.
• You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel without means for proper disposal.
• You must dispose of oil waste at a reception facility. On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate for temporary storage.
• If on federal waters, and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a 5 x 8-inch placard near the bulge pump switch stating the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.