The parasite that causes whirling disease is an aquatic nuisance species. Below are several steps that anglers can take to prevent the spread of whirling disease, gill lice, hydrilla, didymo and other aquatic nuisance species:
- Rinse all mud, dirt, sand and all visible plants, fish and animals from:
- nets
- fishing rods and reels
- fishing line
- lures
- creels
- buckets
- boots/shoes/waders
- boat and trailer
- props
- trolling motor
- wading stick
- downriggers
- anchors
- ropes
- and other items used in and around the water
Drain water from boats before leaving the area where you have been fishing.
- Use the following recommended treatments for cleaning hard-to-treat equipment:
- 50% solution (1 part chlorine to 1 part water) - dip waders into a solution of the bleach or wipe or spray on.
- 10% solution (1 part chlorine to 9 parts water) - soak your equipment for 10 minutes. Water heated to nearly boiling (200 degrees F) - pour over your gear and allowed to cool.
DRY Equipment. If possible, allow for 5 days of drying time before entering new waters.
When cleaning fish do not dispose of fish parts or other by-products that may hold spores into any body of water or into sinks.
Learn more at http://stopaquatichitchhikers.org/.