The goal of this project is to reduce the spread and transfer of zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species (AIS) by recreational boaters through expansion and redesign of the…

The goal of this project is to reduce the spread and transfer of zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species (AIS) by recreational boaters through expansion and redesign of the existing protect the west campaign, encompassing the continental united states. AIS pose a particular risk to the environment, local communities, and municipalities by reducing property values and increasing mitigation costs due to damaged infrastructure. Boaters and anglers can inadvertently transport AIS and are the primary target of education and prevention efforts. By designing a nationwide information and outreach program, watercraft users will have a resource to find decontamination sites and applicable state or federal regulations for AIS prevention. Wildlife forever, along with fishing and boating industry partners, state and federal agency leaders, the aquatic nuisance species task force (anstf) and its western regional panel (WRP), propose four main actions:1. Develop and market a centralized campaign website and web-based mapping tool targeting recreational boaters and anglers that will quickly and easily provide information on state laws, locations and services for watercraft inspections stations and decontamination (WID) services.2. Create and distribute outreach materials (brochures, flyers, social and digital media resources) for partner organizations to raise awareness of the new campaign, website, mapping tool, and available outreach tools.3. Deploy targeted media and marketing campaign to raise awareness of the new centralized resource and campaign assets.4. Evaluate the campaign through paid media impression and click data, visitor traffic to the website pages, WID stops, and surveys facilitated through industry partners.