Efficacy of recreational watercraft decontamination practices to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

To determine the efficacy of commonly recommended decontamination methods in preventing the overland transport of aquatic invasive species via recreational watercraft, we conducted field and laboratory experiments at the Queen's University Biological Station and Queen's University involving three aquatic invasive invertebrates and three aquatic invasive plants. We assessed the amount of material removed from surfaces by pressure washing, as well as the survival of invertebrates or the viability of plants following brief exposure to hot water, air-drying, and the sequential application of hot water exposure followed by air-drying.