Final answer:
When using a personal watercraft, one must remove all debris from the watercraft and related equipment, drain and rinse all compartments, and thoroughly rinse all gear. These actions prevent the spread of invasive species and protect Maryland's aquatic environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Required Equipment for Personal Watercraft Use
When using or riding on a personal watercraft, it is essential to have certain equipment to ensure safety and to protect the environment. Firstly, before launching into Maryland waters, it is important to remove all visible plants, animals, mud, and debris from the boat hull, propeller, anchor, and trailer.
Secondly, draining and rinsing all live wells, bilge areas, and coolers is necessary to prevent the spread of invasive species. Lastly, rinsing all fishing equipment, boats, trailers, and SCUBA gear with a hard spray from a garden hose helps eliminate aquatic organisms that may be clinging on to the equipment.
Protecting Maryland Waters
Not only do these actions safeguard the natural ecosystem of Maryland's waters, but they also help in controlling the spread of invasive species such as Zebra Mussel larvae, Spiny Waterflea, New Zealand Mudsnails, and Quagga Mussels.
These organisms can significantly affect the marine environment and are easily transported through recreational activities like boating, fishing, and the use of personal watercraft if proper measures are not taken.