Final answer:
Boating is hazardous for hunters due to the potential transport of aquatic invasive species, the presence of jumping Asian carp, and the risk of overharvesting species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Boating is often especially hazardous for hunters for several reasons:
- The speed and long distance that trailered boats travel over land can make them vectors for aquatic invasive species. For example, boats can transport species such as Dreissena polymorphic and D. rostriformis bugensis, which can negatively impact freshwater ecosystems (Rothlisberger et al., 2011; Choi et al., 2013).
- Boating can also pose risks due to the presence of Asian carp in some rivers and canal systems. These large and aggressive fish can cause harm and injuries to boaters, as they have a tendency to jump out of the water and collide with boats (INTRODUCTION).
- Additionally, the use of boats for hunting can lead to overharvesting of species. When large-bodied game species become scarce, hunters may become less selective and harvest species in an unsustainable manner, which can negatively impact ecosystems (Jerozolimski and Peres, 2003; Overharvesting).