Tom-N-Jerrys Boats Explains the Dangers of Aquatic Nuisance Species

Aquatic nuisance species are illegal to transport on any boat, according to Tom-N-Jerrys Boats. This is not only a conservation and environmental protection issue, but it is a state law in Washington. Aquatic nuisance species are considered as any plants or animals that are not native to the state or environmental region. Invasive species may not be transported purposefully, and could be introduced to the environment by sheer accident. To avoid this, it is crucial that you keep your boat, trailer, bait well, and fishing gear cleaned and free from nuisance species.

If while boating you spot an invasive species, you can and should report that sighting to the proper authorities. There are websites and toll free numbers available, allowing boaters and fisherman to make reports through the internet or telephone. Washington residents can also find more information from the Washington Invasive Species Council.

Aquatic nuisance species are dangerous because they upset the environmental balance within an ecosystem. In this case, the ecosystem is the body of water in which you are boating or fishing. When a nuisance animal, such as a Siberian salamander or a Japanese brown frog, is introduced to a body of water, a power struggle for food and shelter begins. Along with frogs, toads, and salamanders, Washington's nuisance species list also includes newts, turtles, crayfish, piranhas, and a host of different fish species. If you would like more information about aquatic nuisance species, speak to the staff and technicians at Tom-N-Jerrys Boats, they are happy to answer any of your questions.
​

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats Discusses Sewage, Waste, and Fuel

At Tom-N-Jerrys Boats, the staff and crew do more than sell great boats, they also educate boaters about the responsible choices you can make while boating in Washington, or anywhere else around the world. One of the topics that they are often reminding boaters about is how to safely manage sewage, waste, and fuel.

Sewage is a large problem in the waters around Washington state. Too many boaters believe that it is okay to dump their sewage into the open waters. Human sewage is very harmful to the flora and fauna of the waters. It does not matter if you are on the ocean, a lake, a river, or any other body of water. Human waste is a pollutant to waterways. Instead of dumping your sewage into the water, use onshore restrooms or portable toilets on your boat. If you own and operate a larger vessel, you should have a Coast Guard approved marine sanitation device or toilet system with a holding tank. Those on-board restrooms and tanks should be emptied at designated pump-out and waste disposal stations.

Solid waste should be handled just as carefully as sewage. Trash should never be dumped into the water. All garbage and solid waste should be disposed of on land, in proper waste bins. Fueling is another area where a boater can avoid polluting the waters. The folks at Tom-N-Jerrys Boats tell all their clients to never top off their fuel tanks, as this could lead to a fuel spill that is dangerous for the environment.
​

Tom-N-Jerrys Boats Offers Docking, Anchoring, and Bilge Tips

To avoid injury to yourself and your boat, Tom-N-Jerrys Boats recommends a few tips for proper docking, anchoring, and bilge care. Before leaving the dock, make sure that you have at least one anchor prepared. This means that the anchor is bent on to your anchor line and ready to go when you need it. If your boat is a larger watercraft, it is reasonable to have two anchors tied on and ready to go. You should always carry three dock lines that allow you to tie up to docks or anywhere else that you anchor. While you may only need one line at a time, if the weather is hectic or the waters are choppy, using more than one line is wise. You would regret receiving damage to your hull because the boat was being tossed around and against the dock.

Before starting your motor, Tom-N-Jerrys Boats also tells boaters to check their bilges to ensure they are dry enough. This is also the time to make sure that the bilge pumps are not running for too long. If there is any oil in the reservoirs, clean it up. An excess of oil will result in a spill over that is not only messy, but hazardous to the waters. Something that many boaters do not think to do is to carry at least one fender while boating. Fenders come in very handy for docking, and even more so for instances where your boat needs to be towed to safety.