Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species

Prevention is the best defense against Aquatic invasive species (AIS) and WDFW is working to protect our waters. If you recreate or work in Washington’s waters, you are the first line of defense against the environmental, economic, and wildlife health impacts threatened by AIS. 

For AIS information offline, download WDFW's printable AIS brochure (PDF).

Prevention, management, and monitoring

WDFW operates free, mandatory watercraft inspection stations important for preventing the introduction and spread of AIS. 

Prevention isn’t always successful, so early detection monitoring and preparedness planning allows WDFW to rapidly address potential infestations. 

While WDFW works to prevent introduction and spread of AIS, anyone who recreates or works on or in the water is the first line of defense against AIS. 

How you can help

If you play or work on Washington’s waters, you are on the front lines of AIS prevention. Taking actions to reduce your risk of accidently introducing or spreading AIS is crucial to protecting our waters. 

Clean, Drain, Dry

If it’s been in the water, it could be contaminated by AIS. Practicing Clean, Drain, Dry with all your gear, equipment, and watercraft is key to preventing accidental transportation of AIS. If you’ve been in waters suspected or known to be infested, decontamination may also be necessary. 

If you suspect your gear, equipment, or watercraft has been in infested waters or could be contaminated, contact WDFW’s AIS hotline at 1-888-WDFW-AIS or email ais@dfw.wa.gov. 

Hosting an event or fishing tournament? Reserve a mobile Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose (CD3) from WDFW and Washington Invasive Species Council. 

Watercraft inspection

Avoid accidently transporting AIS on your motorized or non-motorized watercraft and trailers by stopping at all FREE mandatory watercraft inspection stations. Stopping is mandatory and helps protect our waters from AIS (RCW 77.135.120). If needed, staff will provide a FREE decontamination after inspection. 

Speed up your inspection by remembering to Clean, Drain, and Dry your watercraft before leaving the water access! Request a watercraft inspection or look for stations along your route on the watercraft inspection page. 

Report AIS sightings 

If you find a potential invasive species, report it using the Washington Invasive Species Council webform or the WA Invasives mobile app (available in the Apple and Google app stores). 

Questions? Call WDFW's Aquatic Invasive Species hotline at 1-888-WDFW-AIS or email ais@dfw.wa.gov.

Don’t let it loose

Pets and plants released into the wild can harbor or become AIS. Zebra mussels have been found attached to imported Marimo moss balls sold at Washington retail pet and aquarium stores. If released into the wild, these contaminated moss balls could have introduced zebra mussels into Washington’s waters. 

The Washington Invasive Species Council website has more information on proper disposal or rehoming of your plants and animals.