Calling all water users to “Check Clean Dry”

Check-Clean-Dry

As a water user, you may unknowingly be helping to spread invasive species from one water body to another in equipment, shoes and clothing.

Help stop this happening by following three simple steps when you leave the water:

CHECK your gear, clothing and footwear after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals, or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.
CLEAN everything thoroughly as soon as you can. Pay particular attention to nets, waders, and areas that are damp and hard to inspect. If possible, use hot water (at least 45oC) or a high-pressure spray.

As part of cleaning, please use  an appropriate household detergent. Items can be soaked, thoroughly sprayed or wiped down.

DRY

Allow gear to dry to touch, inside and out, then leave it to dry for at least 48 hours (2 days) before using again.

Dry areas inside the watercraft where water has pooled, for example with an old towel, and then leave the craft to dry for at least 48 hours (2 days). The hull of a watercraft will dry when towed.

Contaminated gear (e.g. equipment, boats, footwear, and clothing) is one of the most common causes of the spread of invasive species to new waterways. Invasive plants and animals can be small and hard to spot so are easily spread on damp equipment and clothing. All water users can protect our wildlife and environment following the Check Clean Dry code. A range of guidance and awareness raising materials for anglers, boaters, canal users, paddle sport enthusiasts and other water users have been developed.

Calling all anglers

Calling all paddlers

Check, clean and thoroughly dry equipment and clothing that comes in contact with the water before using again. If everything cannot be dry for at least 48 hours before re-entering the water, then disinfect it.

You can download these free materials for your club, local community and events:

                                     

 

View species profiles

View species profiles of some of the most invasive aquatic species spread that can be spread to new areas as hitchhikers. Report sightings of invasive species: records.biodiversityireland.ie/record/invasives
Click on image to access species profile information.

Zebra mussel Bloody-red shrimp Killer shrimp (not in Ireland) Quagga mussel