Report an Invasive Species
wnyprism@buffalostate.edu
(716) 878.4708
WATERCRAFT INSPECTION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
X
CONTACT US
Great Lakes Center, SAMC 319
SUNY Buffalo State
1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222
wnyprism@buffalostate.edu
(716) 878.4708
SUBSCRIBE TO LISTSERV
FOLLOW US
CONTACT
FINAL 2022 BOAT STEWARD STATS
12,072 Inspections
25,793 Interactions
Boat stewards perform voluntary watercraft inspections to remove visible aquatic plants and animals from all types of watercraft at boat launches. This helps prevent the transport and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) both into and out of western New York. These programs are voluntary, and boaters do not have to participate if they choose not to. The stewards collect data on their interactions with boaters to better track the movement of AIS throughout the state. Additionally, stewards are responsible for public education and distributing educational materials at their respective launches.
Stewards are trained to correctly identify some of this region’s early detection priority species such as Hydrilla verticillata, Eichhornia crassipes, and Pistia stratiotes. Catching these species early before they become established saves money and limits environmental degradation.
*There may be other invasive species present at these launches, beyond what is listed to the right. We are currently working to map and confirm new reports.
During the summer of 2022, steward programs across the state conducted over 217,000 inspection surveys, and intercepted over 8,000 aquatic invasive organisms. This program is run in coordination with our many other partner boat steward programs throughout New York. Launch locations were strategically selected to maximize interactions with the public and focus on waterways most at risk of invasion.
If you’re interested in having a boat steward at a launch you manage next summer, contact us at wnyprism@buffalostate.edu and use “WISP Launch Request” as your subject line.
