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CHECK
CLEAN
DRY
INVASIVE SPECIES WEEK 2019
HELPING TO STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE
SPECIES AND DISEASES
WORDS AND PICS: RYA
THE 13-17TH MAY 2019 WAS
INVASIVE SPECIES WEEK. IT
WAS YOUR CHANCE TO GET
INVOLVED AND PROTECT OUR
WATERS FROM THE SPREAD
OF INVASIVE AQUATIC
SPECIES.
Unwanted non-native plants and animals
are invading our waterways and pose a
serious threat to our lakes, rivers, streams
and coastline. Once in a waterway these
invasive species can disperse rapidly,
adversely affecting recreational facilities,
reducing fish populations and restricting
navigation.
Windsurfing provides the perfect vehicle for
exploring wilderness areas by water, quietly
observing wildlife in their natural habitats
and allowing you to calmly explore beautiful
waterbodies on the many lakes, lochs,
rivers, estuaries and coastal waters across
the country. But without knowing, our desire
to explore could be contributing to the
spread of alien species!
Invasive non-native species can block up
waterways, make navigation difficult, and
cause irreparable damage to the environment
– and as a water user you may unknowingly
be spreading them from one water body to
another. Animals, eggs, larvae and tiny plant
fragments can easily be carried on boards,
equipment, shoes and clothing, and some
can survive out of water in damp conditions
for over two weeks.
Everyone can help to prevent their spread by
following the Check Clean Dry routine. You
can also put up a sign at your local sailing
club to remind fellow boaters and share
photos on social media under
#InvasivesWeek.
• Check your equipment, clothing and
footwear.
• Clean everything carefully before you
return.
• Dry everything thoroughly.
Since the launch of the ‘Check Clean Dry’
campaign in 2011, The Green Blue and the
RYA has provided a wealth of information and
guidance to inland and coastal clubs about
the steps they can take to minimise the
spread of invasive non-native species (INNS).
uk
WIND
SURFING