Final answer:
In Washington State, boating operators must bring onboard tools and follow practices that prevent the spread of invasive species, including cleaning the vessel and equipment, draining compartments, and complying with regulations on ballast water discharge.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Washington State, an operator must remember to bring several items onboard their vessel before every boating trip to help protect Maryland waters. These items are aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species and maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. Operators are expected to:
- Remove all visible plants, animals, mud, and debris from the boat hull, propeller, anchor, and trailer before launching into Maryland waters.
- Drain and rinse all live wells, bilge areas, and coolers to ensure no invasive species are transferred.
- Rinse all fishing equipment, boats, trailers, and SCUBA gear with a hard spray from a garden hose to remove any potential contaminants.
Moreover, the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) regulate ballast water (BW) discharge nationally. Commercial ships operating in US waters with the capacity to carry BW are required to submit a Ballast Water Report (BWR) to the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse (NBIC).
By following these regulations and guidelines, operators contribute to the efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in Maryland's aquatic environments.