Good Stewardship Reduces the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in Pennsylvania

This summer, thousands of people will enjoy Pennsylvania's waterways and lakes, particularly boaters visiting Lake Erie and hundreds of smaller lakes across the Commonwealth. With those visits, however, comes an unexpected and often unseen problem – the unintentional spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) from one waterbody to another. 

Aquatic invasive species, like the Round Goby, the fast-growing aquatic plant Hydrilla, or the Zebra Mussel, can attach to boats, trailers, and other recreational equipment. They can also be moved accidentally via bait buckets.

What's the problem?

When introduced into new waterbodies, non-native species can establish and pose a significant risk to native species and the aquatic ecosystem. They're also expensive to manage, costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year in control efforts.

What's the solution?

Preventing the spread of AIS is the best way to protect aquatic ecosystems and native species. This summer, boaters have the opportunity to engage in prevention activities through the annual "Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz," a binational, multi-agency effort aimed at raising public awareness and promoting prevention. The "Blitz" takes place June 29 through July 12, 2026, in Pennsylvania and other Great Lakes states in the U.S. and Canada.

Become a Partner!

This initiative brings together volunteers, state agencies, lake associations, and watercraft inspectors to educate boaters and anglers about AIS and ways to prevent their spread. In 2025, more than 125,000 boat inspections were held, and more than 130,000 people learned about AIS.

Your organization does not need to be located in the Great Lakes watershed to take part in this regional effort. Participation is free, and educational supplies, trainings, and outreach materials are provided to support volunteers and local events.

If you're considering planning an AIS Landing Blitz activity, or want to learn more, reach out to Pennsylvania Sea Grant's Extension Leader, Sara Stahlman at sstahlman@psu.edu.

Species to Spot: Be Aware

Be on the lookout for aquatic invasive species like Round Goby and Hydrilla during the AIS Landing Blitz and all summer long. Learn more below!

Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

The Round Goby is an invasive bottom-dwelling fish that has spread throughout the Great Lakes region, including northwestern Pennsylvania waters such as Lake Erie, French Creek, and Lake LeBoeuf. Aggressive and fast reproducing, Round Gobies compete with native fish for food and habitat and feed on the eggs and young of important sport fish like Smallmouth Bass. They are often unintentionally spread when anglers and boaters move bait, bilge water, mud, or plant debris between waterways.

Boaters and anglers play a critical role in preventing the spread of Round Goby and other aquatic invasive species. Before leaving a waterbody, always drain boats and bilges, remove plants and debris from equipment and trailers, and dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to possess, transport, or use Round Goby as bait. Learning to identify this species, including its fused, suction-cup-like pelvic fin and black spot on the dorsal fin, can help protect local fisheries and waterways from further ecological damage.

For more information about Round Gobies, see the Round Goby Fact Sheet from Pennsylvania Sea Grant.

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)

Hydrilla is an aggressive invasive aquatic plant that can quickly take over lakes, ponds, and rivers, forming thick mats that interfere with boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreation. Even tiny plant fragments can start new infestations, allowing Hydrilla to spread easily between waterways on boat propellers, trailers, fishing gear, live wells, and bait buckets. In Pennsylvania, Hydrilla has already been documented in at least 25 counties, and because it is a federally listed noxious weed, it is illegal to possess, transport, or distribute.

Boaters and anglers can help stop the spread of Hydrilla by cleaning, draining, and drying all equipment after every outing. Always remove visible plants and mud from boats, trailers, anchors, and gear; drain water from bilges, live wells, and bait containers; and allow equipment to dry thoroughly before entering another waterbody. Because Hydrilla can regrow from even the smallest fragment, prevention is the best defense for protecting Pennsylvania waterways, fisheries, and recreational access.

For more information about Hydrilla, see the Hydrilla Fact Sheet from Pennsylvania Sea Grant.

Being a Good Steward of Our Waters

Boaters and anglers can be good stewards of Pennsylvania's waters, and encourage others to do the same simply by following these simple yet effective actions when leaving the water:

1. Clean, Drain, and Dry: Before leaving the water, thoroughly inspect your boat, trailer, and gear for any signs of AIS. Remove any plants, animals, or mud, and drain all water from bilges, motors, and live wells. Allow equipment to dry completely or dry off with a towel, as many AIS can survive out of water for days or even weeks. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas such as propellers, anchors, and trailer rollers, where AIS can hide. Consider installing specialized equipment, such as screens and brushes, to prevent AIS from attaching to your boat.
2. Use Local Bait: Avoid transporting live bait between water bodies. If you must use live bait, purchase it from a local source near the water you'll be fishing in. This helps prevent the accidental introduction of AIS between ecosystems. Crayfish are of particular concern, and it is unlawful to transport live crayfish in the state of Pennsylvania.
3. Dispose of Bait and Trash Properly: Don't dump unused bait or aquarium pets into the water. Dispose of them in designated areas on land. Similarly, ensure all trash, including fishing line and plastic bottles, is properly disposed of to prevent entanglement and pollution.
4. Educate Others: Spread awareness about the threat of AIS and the importance of prevention among your friends, family, and fellow water enthusiasts. Encourage others to adopt responsible boating practices and participate in AIS prevention programs. Fact sheets and other resources are available through Pennsylvania Sea Grant and the Penn State Water Resources Team.
5. Report Sightings: If you spot any suspicious species or signs of AIS, report them to the appropriate authorities immediately. Early detection is key to containing and eradicating invasive species before they become established. Report potential sightings by downloading the Pennsylvania AIS Field Guide app on Android or Apple devices, calling 1-833-Invasiv, or accessing the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's online reporting form.

To learn more, visit Pennsylvania Sea Grant's library of invasive species resources. Sign up for the Penn State Extension Water Resources newsletter to stay up to date on your local watershed issues.