1. Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination For quagga/zebra mussels
Level One
Bill Zook
Pacific State Marine Fisheries Commission
Funding Provided by:

2. Today's Drill (about 5 Hours)
Zebra/Quagga Mussel Educational Video (30 Minutes)
“The Big Picture”
Q and A - Biology, Distribution, Impacts and Transport Vectors, etc.
Break
Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Video (20 Minutes)
Uniform Minimum Protocols and Standards (UMPS) for Watercraft Interception Programs in the Western US
Q and A – Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination
Lunch Break 2

3. Insert name and affiliation of person making presentation here
Schedule Continued
The Local Perspective
Insert name and affiliation of person making presentation here
“Hands-on” Watercraft Inspection Exercise (30 Minutes)
Review List, Written Exam, Course Evaluation and Certification 3

4. Zebra/Quagga Mussel Educational Video
Now ....
Zebra/Quagga Mussel Educational Video
(Copies available)
Two Distinct Parts
Part 1 – General Information
Background (Biology, origins, distribution, vectors)
Impacts (Through the eyes of those affected)
Call to action (What you can and should do to prevent their spread)
Later ….
Part 2 – Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Training

5. Show Part 1 of Don’t Move a Mussel Video here

6. Summary of Key Points Made in Video ....
The stakes are extremely high – in the 100’s of Millions of dollars to your state and local economy - and even more in unquantifiable impacts to natural resources and life style
Damages last forever … agriculture, water supply, recreation, power production, ecology, etc.
Everyone stands to lose – traditional competitors for limited water resources are on the same team this time – more opportunity for cooperation and political action
Prevention is the best hope – eradication is not a practical option and mitigation is extremely expensive
Prevention/containment are possible!!! - Minnesota example
Education and outreach, watercraft intervention, detection monitoring and contingency planning are key weapons to preventing dreissenid mussel expansion
Questions on the video or anything covered so far?

7. The Bigger Picture!
Watercraft interception is not the only game in town, other measures, particularly public outreach and education, are critical to successful prevention/containment program.
Zebra/Quagga Mussel Prevention Can’t be Done in Isolation
But, you’re not alone in this effort !!!!!!
National
Public Education and Outreach Nationwide benefit us all
Federal Legislation, Funding, Programs and Organization
Regional
Basin-wide Coordination and Communication Protects Neighbors
Common Databases, Protocols, Monitoring, Response Planning
Local
Strong State Legislation, Funding, Education/Outreach and Early Detection Monitoring
Local Government and User Group Involvement

8. ANS Prevention in the US (Organizational Framework)
National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (NISA) – National Program for ANS Prevention, Monitoring and Research – Zebra Mussel Inspired
ANS Task Force – Intergovernmental Organization co-chaired by USFWS and NOAA to implement NISA
Quagga-Zebra Mussel Action Plan
Western Regional Panel (1 of 6) – Established by the ANS Task Force to coordinate NISA activities in the western U. S. including those identified in the 100th Meridian Initiative (a section of NISA)
100th Meridian Initiative – 19Western States – 6 Basin Teams
(Colorado, Columbia, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas and Tahoe Basin Teams)
Individual State ANS Organization and Plans
Your state is an active participant at every level 8

9. Some Examples of Programs Already Working for You
National Awareness Campaign
- Internet, Visitor Information Centers,
News Media, User Group Publications,
Outdoor Shows, PSA’s, SAH.
Traveler Information Radio Systems (TIS) and Billboards
Outreach Partnerships with
Water-Dependant Businesses –
Marinas, Marine Supply and Repair,
Tackle Shops, Etc.
Missouri, Columbia and Colorado Basins 9

10. More Programs Without Borders ....
Access Area Signage
New Uniform ANS Ramp Sign Available
Brand recognition demonstrates cooperation and coordination
Doubled # of Access Areas Signed in the Western US Since 04
Training
- Boating Law Enforcement Personnel
- Commercial Boat Haulers
- Incident Responders
- Water Users
- Marina Operators 10

11. More Programs Without Borders ....
Boater Survey Program
Standard Survey of Boaters - Throughout the West
Common Database Maintained by USFWS
Over 30,000 Records from 28 States
Veliger/Substrate Monitoring Program
Program, Processing and Database Maintained at PSU
Serves all Western US States
Rapid Response/Containment Planning
Lower Colorado Basin Plan (Regional)
Columbia Basin Plan (Regional)
Individual State Plans

12. Lake Mead Boater Survey Data

13. 100th Meridian Website (100th Meridian.org)

14. Enforcement Authority Summary

15. Next Level Two’s – Check WIT website and add here
A Couple More Things....
Subscribe to the National News Website List serve for the latest news and information about what’s going on the Lower Colorado, California and the rest of North America and the world with quagga/zebra mussels and other ANS
protectyourwaters.net
New WIT Website available January 1, 2010 – Training resources, updates, pictures, forms, supplies, equipment, etc
aquaticnuisance.org
Level Two (Train the Trainer) training offered periodically at Lake Mead – two-day intensive, hands-on inspecting and decontaminating watercraft – NO COST (except travel)
Next Level Two’s – Check WIT website and add here

16. Any Questions on anything we’ve covered so far???
10 minute Break And Then…. Part Two – Inspection and Decontamination Video

17. Show Part 2 of Don’t Move a Mussel video here

18. Key points about inspection and decontamination .... From Part 2 of video
Large slipped watercraft/equipment most likely to have settled adult or juvenile mussels attached
Day-use boats more likely to have veligers in standing water, cooling system, equipment, etc.
Under the right conditions, it is possible for day-use watercraft to have tiny attached mussels - w/i hours
Trailers are most likely to have loose mussels that have been scrapped-off the watercraft/equipment upon loading or veligers in water pockets – light brackets, hollow frame members, etc.
Yes, 104 degree water will kill veligers, but adult mussels require 140+ degree water or prolonged exposure
Questions?

19. Uniform Minimum Protocols and Standards for Watercraft Interception Programs for Dreissenid Mussels in the Western United States
“UMPS”
Adopted in September 2009 by the:
Western Regional Panel
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and it’s Member Agencies
Bill Zook and Stephen Phillips
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Hundreds of contributors from over 70 western agencies/organizations 19

20. Why uniform protocols and standards?
Neither mussels nor boaters recognize jurisdictional boundaries
Need to encourage and support the implementation of the most effective region-wide interception strategies - Your program is only as good as your neighbors
Increase effectiveness by ensuring everyone uses the best available science and technology
Maximize efficiency and use of limited resources by building trust in and between programs
Make programs more consistent to reinforce the prevention message with boaters, the public , law makers and policy makers
Make it easier for the boating public to understand, anticipate and comply with “clean boating” principles
Q-ZAP recognizes as one of it’s highest priority action items “the development of consistent inspection and decontamination protocols”

21. Watercraft Interception Programs in the West
UMPS began with:
An On-line Survey of WIP Programs in 20 Western States
(Jan-Feb, 2009)
Identified 72 programs in 20 western states (28 CA)
300+ waters
At least one (sometimes minimal) program in each state
On-line survey sent to all - 46 questions to define program parameters and gauge support for UMPS
96% return rate
Programs range from spot-checks to full-meal deal
Report now available
Raw survey results also available (see me for link) 21

22. Some Interesting Survey Findings …
Total of 138 full-time, 110 part-time and 0ver 300 seasonal FTE’s
72% of programs received their training directly from WIT L1 or L2 Course
58% exclude all watercraft that are not clean, drained and dry
52% offer decontamination services, of those
54% also require a “drying” period following decontamination
52% certify watercraft, of those
54% use “banding” method of certification, many with paper receipt
60% do not accept another agency/organization certification (only 3% - unconditionally)
90% recognized the benefit of having Uniform Minimum Protocols Standards 22

23. UMPS Report Recommendations for:
Program levels – Recognizes vast differences in individual agency/organization “capacity” e.g. authority, resources, political and public support, etc.
Protocols and Standards for:
Screening interviews – Standardize questions
Inspection – When, where and “how to“ for various watercraft/equipment types and conditions
Decontamination – Equipment, protocols and standards
Quarantine – Calculations, options and qualifiers (ballast)
Exclusion – Last resort option where other, more user friendly options, aren’t available
Certification - When, where, how and cross-jurisdictional
coordination 23

24. Program Levels
Level 1 – Self Inspection Programs (mandatory/voluntary)
Low risk waters where implementation "capacity” is limited
(Capacity = funding, authority, access control, political will)
Pro’s
Low cost
Excellent public education tool
Better than nothing – good starting point
Con’s
Minimal protection – compliance not guaranteed
Currently implemented on 100+ secondary risk waters in Utah (mandatory) and under consideration in Missouri and South Dakota

25. Level 2 – Screening out high risk watercraft
Screening interview and limited inspection but no comprehensive inspection or decontamination services provided
Pro’s
Prevents the launch of any watercraft/equipment that are not clean, drained, dry or have been used in any mussel positive state/area (High Risk)
Relatively inexpensive to implement
Con’s
Not boater/recreation friendly
Can result in local economic hardship
Many of the water districts in California, selected waters in Kansas, North Dakota

26. Level 3 – Comprehensive interception program
High risk waters and wherever possible; includes screening, inspection, decontamination, quarantine and possible certification
Pro’s
Offers high level of protection limited only by effectiveness of decontamination/quarantine protocols and standards used
Preserves recreational and economic values
Offers best opportunity for cross-jurisdictional cooperation
Con’s
Expensive, labor intensive and requires strong political commitment
Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe, Major waters in the states of California, Washington, Colorado, Idaho, Utah

27. Screening Interviews – Step 1
Prior to launch at point of entry/access – To assess the level of risk
(in order to concentrate efforts on high risk watercraft)
Determine the recent use history – Use standard form
Home location of owner/operator
Specific location (waterbody) of last use
The date of last use
How the watercraft has been maintained since
(Clean, drained & dry? Decontaminated who/when? )
Verify responses with visual keys (license plate, condition)
Watercraft/equipment that are not clean, drained, dried or with ballast tanks should be subjected to comprehensive inspection or excluded
Watercraft/equipment coming directly from mussel positive waters within last 30 days should be subjected to comprehensive inspection or excluded

28. Watercraft/Equipment Inspection
If you don’t have specific authority, get owner/operators permission first
Adopt and use a checklist of watercraft parts/areas to guide inspection
Include trailer, propulsion system and accessories
Be systematic; starting at point “A” and ending at point “B” to assure complete coverage
Use the inspection as an opportunity to educate the owner/operator
If attached mussels (dead or alive) , standing/trapped water or attached vegetation (including algae accumulation) are found, require decontamination, quarantine (combination) or exclude
Watercraft/equipment that have been successfully decontaminated or quarantined (dried) for the required time or that are clean, drained and dry and have not been launched in mussel positive waters/areas in the past 30 days should be allowed to launch (except w/ballast tanks or inaccessible raw water storage tanks)

29. Watercraft/Equipment Decontamination
Get the permission of the watercraft owner before doing decontamination
Away from the water where water and solids can be contained
Strongly consider total containment/ treatment option – low cost systems available
Be systematic and thorough including all parts/areas and accessories
Standards:
Hot water pressure washer set to achieve 140 F at point of contact
Maintain contact for at least 10 sec. (leading to trailing edge) on all exposed surfaces
Pressure washer capable of min. 4 gpm at 3,000 psi
Use Pressure washer attachments for flushing sensitive areas and cooling system, live/bait wells, storage compartments, accessories, etc.
Drain then treat (hot water) all areas of standing, trapped, stored water (Ballast Tanks require special attention)
Maintain 60 sec. contact time for hard to access areas
Monitor temperatures carefully and often
Consider adding period of quarantine/drying following decon – insurance policy

30. Quarantine/Drying
Time out of the water exposed to air temps leads to mussel desiccation
Varies depending on temperature and humidity - from 1-30 days
Higher the temps and lower the humidity = shorter the drying time and visa versa
Use 100th Meridian calculator or UMPS guideline or the alternative below
Maximum daily temperature Minimum days out of water
Degrees Fahrenheit
<
>
Mussel removal still required after drying!
Quarantine/drying standards do not apply to watercraft with ballast tanks!

31. Watercraft/Equipment Exclusion
Exclusion is the only remaining option under some conditions
When decontamination/quarantine facilities are not available
When the owner/operator declines other measures
Standards:
Watercraft or equipment that are coming from known zebra/quagga mussel areas in the last 30 days that have not been decontaminated and/or been out of the water for the required time should be decontaminated if approved facilities are available; placed in self or on-site quarantine for the required time frame; or excluded.
Watercraft or equipment that are not clean (having attached vegetation, debris or surface deposits that can mask the presence of small mussels), drained (no visible water in any live well, bait well, bilge area, engine compartment, floor or cooler) and dry (no standing water in boat, equipment, trailer, engine) should be decontaminated and/or quarantined or excluded.

32. Watercraft Certification/Banding
About half of 70 agencies/organizations in the west now offer some form of certification following inspection, decontamination or quarantine
Streamlines the process for repeat users and for overworked staff
Banding is the preferred and recommended method of certification
Mostly used on local basis only; goal is to use across jurisdictions
Certification signifies that “best practices” (UMPS) have been applied to inspect, quarantine and decontaminate, not that it’s “mussel free”
Banding
Variety of banding materials used - share common traits:
Connects the watercraft/equipment to the transport vehicle (trailer)
Tamper resistant material (wire, Kevlar, Mylar, plastic strapping, etc.)
Certification is considered “invalid” if the band has been severed or tampered-with
Contains the name of agency/organization, contact information for verification and date and time of application (paper receipt)
Can only be applied by trained personnel

33. And finally …… Questions? Lunch Break! These Considerations:
Living document subject to periodic and systematic updating
“Minimum” protocols and standards, more restrictive options discretionary
Recognizes the need for additional peer reviewed research on the effectiveness of currently recommended protocols and standards for watercraft decontamination – In the works (UNLV)
Addresses the wide range of “capacity” currently available to the many different implementing agencies/organizations
Includes the contributions, comments and edits of more than 100 “experts”
Both the Watercraft Survey and Uniform Minimum Protocols and Standards reports available at :
Questions?
Lunch Break! 33

34. Name and affiliation of person presenting Local Perspective
The Local Perspective
What does all this mean for me and how do I apply what I’ve learned today on my water(s) here in State, Region or Agency/Organization?
Name and affiliation of person presenting Local Perspective

35. Local perspective presentation here

36. Your turn .... Inspection Exercise – 40% of grade
Unfortunately, no decontamination exercise at Level One
Group of assigned to a specific watercraft – stick to that watercraft, circle that number and print your name on the form
Have a plan!
Watercraft , trailer, equipment have been “seeded” with between “fake“ mussels for you to find
Please work independently – 25 minutes to complete the exercise
We’ll be out there to answer questions – refer to the back of the form for boat parts
We’ll go over the results after the exercise
Questions?

37. Decontaminating Process
Boat Parts
Boat components
Bow/
Front
Hull
Trailer
Lower Unit
Stern/Back
Transom
Trough Hull fitting

38. Decontaminating Process
Boat Parts
Boat components
Trim Tab
Lower Unit
Drain Plug

39. Decontaminating Process
Boat Parts
Boat components
Gimbal Area
Pitot Tube

40. Decontaminating Process
Boat Parts
Boat components
Speed wheel
Pitot tube
Transducer

41. Testing, Evaluation and Certification Reminders
Complete the course evaluation and turn it in upside down
Pick-up a copy of your written exam
Return your written exam and pick-up your certificate
Thank You!!!!!