DEC Partners with Other States and Canadian Provinces to Announce Kickoff of Annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with seven Great Lakes states, five Northeast states, and several Canadian provinces, today announced the start of the annual Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz. The international campaign runs from June 26 through July 6 and informs boaters and other water recreationists about the risks of introducing and spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS). During this coordinated outreach effort, partners will educate the public at hundreds of water access sites throughout the Great Lakes and Northeast regions.

"DEC is proud to once again work alongside our partners in the Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz, to educate and empower boaters to protect New York's lakes, rivers, and streams from the threat of invasive species," said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. "Initiatives like the AIS Landing Blitz, DEC's Boat Steward Program, the statewide Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), and New York's Invasive Species Awareness Week (NYISAW) deliver vital information to boaters in New York State and beyond about how to Clean, Drain, and Dry their watercraft and gear to protect our lands and waters."

During last year's AIS Landing Blitz, which covered 13 states and two Canadian provinces, 1,100 stewards, volunteers, and staff educated more than 150,000 people at more than 840 public and private boat launches and inspected more than 122,000 boats. Millions of people learned about AIS prevention efforts through news releases and social media. In 2023, DEC's boat stewards performed more than 220,800 inspections and intercepted over 11,600 AIS at boat launches across New York State.

For more information on the Great Lakes and Northeast AIS Landing Blitz, including educational materials, location information, and volunteer opportunities, visit the Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz webpage and the Northeast AIS Landing Blitz.

To help protect New York's waters, visit DEC's website for more information on AIS and a step-by-step guide for ridding boats and equipment of AIS. View DEC's video on preventing the spread of AIS on DEC's YouTube channel.