Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are threatening the public’s angling and boating recreation and our state’s water and electrical infrastructure. It is critical for anyone who owns or uses watercraft, or has a business reliant on watercraft, to understand the essential nature of this aquatic invasive species containment effort by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The spread of quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species has far-reaching impacts, both financial and ecological, that can touch virtually every resident of the state. Whether you fish, or boat, or simply get water and electricity to your home, these aquatic invaders WILL affect your lifestyle…and possibly your wallet.
Request a free watercraft inspection and decontamination
If your watercraft has been in an infested water for six or more consecutive days, you must have your boat inspected and decontaminated by AZGFD or an authorized agent prior to transport. For more information, see Director’s Orders.
Lake Powell Local Boat Program 2023
The Lake Powell Local Boat Program is a program that helps Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), National Park Service (NPS), Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) and staff working on the boat ramps at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GCNRA) to identify locally stored boats. This program is intended to allow area residents and others with their boats stored within 25 highway miles of Wahweap launch ramp to experience an expedited exit inspection.
How to Apply
- Register online and upload the required documentation and submit
- For complete Program information, please visit the registration site. Some conditions have changed for 2023
- If you experience any issues registering, contact azlocalboater@azgfd.gov
Current Arizona Game and Fish Department Director’s Orders
Required by Law in Arizona
A.R.S. §17-255 R12-4-902
Some Arizona waterways infested with quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species. AZ Map of Listed Species
Before leaving a listed water, you must:
Clean & dry – Remove all mud, plants and mussels from your boat or equipment. This includes hull, anchor and chain/ lines, stern attachments, engine and trailer. Allow your boat and equipment to dry the best extent possible before transporting. For more specific protocols see Director’s Order #3.
Remove plug and drain – Completely drain all water from bilge, live wells, ballast tanks and other compartments prior to transport. If applicable drain water from lower engine unit.
If watercraft was on listed waters for six or more consecutive days, you must complete the above steps, then additionally:
Decontaminate and desiccate – Watercraft owners/ transporters are responsible for having their boats and equipment decontaminated after removal from waterbody and prior to transport. Before launching to another waterbody or transporting to another state, you must also desiccate you boat and equipment for 18 consecutive days from November through April or 7 consecutive days from May through October. For more detailed cleaning protocols, see Director’s Order #3.
Pull the plug on mussels brochure
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program Watercraft Decontamination Contacts
Request a free decontamination
For Lake Havasu/ Lower Colorado River, Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Apache Lake, Canyon Lake
Woods to Water Wildlife Solutions, LLC
Clint Luedtke
602 920-4891
Western Watercraft Inspection
Watercraft inspection contacts list
Director’s Order #1
Director’s Order #2
Director’s Order #3
-List of aquatic invasive species for Arizona
–List of waters where aquatic invasive species are present
-Mandatory conditions for movement of watercraft
AIS Rules – Pull your plug!
-Rule-Article 9 Aquatic Invasive Species
-Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan-State AIS Vision
State Invasive Species Database
iMapInvasives Arizona
Species Profiles
Quagga mussel
Zebra mussel
Rusty crayfish
New Zealand mudsnail
Rock snot, a.k.a. Didymo
Giant salivinia
Apple snail
Asian carp
Whirling disease
Snakehead
Red claw crayfish
Largemouth bass virus (LMB)
AIS Program Contacts
AIS Program main number
623-236-7608
AIS Program Coordinator
623-236-7271