Invasive non-native species (INNS) are a major threat to our native biodiversity and many of the nastier ones are found in our waterways. These include New Zealand Pigmyweed (AKA Australian stonecrop) Crassula helmsii, Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera and floating pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides, among others.

They can be hard to spot and can get attached to our equipment. Even tiny fragments that get transported from one waterway to another can cause an infestation which is extremely difficult to deal with.

So whilst we’re paddling in different waterbodies and transporting our boats, we need to make a real effort not to spread these species. It’s really important to:

Check your boats, BAs, paddles and clothing for any plant or animal material after a paddle, even if very small and leave it at the site.

Clean everything very thoroughly, including the insides of boats after use

Sponge out your boat and towel it dry so it is thoroughly dry before it’s used elsewhere as many of these species can remain viable in damp conditions.

So: Check, clean and dry.