Final answer:
To operate in federal waters, vessels must comply with USCG and US EPA regulations on Ballast Water management, including submitting a Ballast Water Report. Vessels must also ensure cleanliness by removing debris from the vessel and its parts, and by thoroughly rinsing all equipment with a hard spray from a hose. State regulations may impose additional requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
When operating in federal waters, vessels are required to comply with various federal regulations to help protect the environment, particularly against invasive species. One crucial regulation enforced by the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) pertains to Ballast Water (BW) management. Under the National Invasive Species Act, nearly all commercial ships with the capacity to carry BW must submit a Ballast Water Report (BWR) to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC) which includes details such as the ship's information, transit details, and BW history.
In addition to BW management, operators must remove all plants, animals, mud, and debris from their boat hull, propeller, anchor, and trailer before launching. They must also ensure that all live wells, bilge areas, and coolers are drained and rinsed, along with all fishing equipment, boats, trailers, and SCUBA gear using a hard spray from a garden hose. These actions are required to prevent the transfer of non-native species and contaminants between bodies of water.
Moreover, certain states may have more stringent requirements beyond federal regulations, particularly concerning fisheries and aquaculture practices. For example, some states prohibit drilling for oil and natural gas beneath state-owned waters and implement additional education and policy measures related to the importation, possession, and release of certain species.