Fishing

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.

Schedule 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 below.

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

To schedule a free decontamination

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

AZ Map of Listed Species

Program Staff

Alex Martinez
AIS Specialist
623 236-7608

AIS Program Coordinator
623 236-7271

Kate Steighler
AIS Specialist Lake Havasu
480 353-0534