Rowers

Help stop the spread of invasive plants and animals in our waters!

Invasive plants and animals harm the environment and wildlife and can block up waterways making it hard to access them for rowing. They can be small and hard to spot so are easily spread on damp equipment and clothing. Read more on plants and animals to look out for. Once established they become extremely difficult and expensive to eradicate, which is why it is so important to prevent their spread in the first place.

Protect the environment and sport you enjoy by keeping your kit free of invasive plants and animals.

	CHECK – for what’s visible  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. Remember to drain water from every part of your boat and trailer before leaving the site.
	CLEAN – for what’s not visible  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. Hot tap water in most homes is usually set to about 55oC.
	DRY – to be sure  Dry everything for as long as you can before using in other water bodies. Some invasive plants and animals can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions. The hull of a boat and tailer can dry when being towed.

Going abroad?

It’s even more important to Check Clean Dry if you’re taking your kit abroad to make sure you don’t bring any plants or animals back with you. Make sure everything is clean and has been dried thoroughly before you use it again at home.

 

All recreational boat owners should also:

avoid sailing or paddling through patches of weed (which could contain invasive species) as this can chop up plants and spread them further
be aware of the increased risk of bringing boats, trailers and equipment into any part of the island of Ireland from abroad
be aware of the increased risk when placing a boat into a water body with particularly sensitive ecology, such as a nature reserve, Special Area of Conservation, or Marine Protected Area