Roles of Boating Facilities, Bait Dealers, and Angler and Boating Organizations in Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in the Lake Ontario Basin

Abstract

This report is one component of a larger project, the overall goal of which is to aid in reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the Great Lakes basin through promotion of safe recreation and resource use. We are doing this by studying how government and nongovernmental organizations operating at the federal, state/provincial, and community level collectively influence the behavior of anglers and boaters with regard to actions that can control the spread of AIS. The objectives of the project are to: (1) characterize the outreach efforts of organizations to discourage behaviors by anglers and boaters that can lead to the spread of AIS; and (2) involve these organizations in activities to increase their capacity to engage in outreach efforts.