Introduction
One of the goals of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC) is
to stop the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Because people from many walks of life play a role in preventing the
introduction and spread of AIS, education and outreach to various user
groups is critical.
The Great Lakes are one of the top recreational boating destinations
in the nation. Nearly 4.3 million boats are registered in the eight
Great Lakes states. These boaters spend nearly $16 billion on boats and
boating activities in a single year, directly supporting 107,000 jobs.
Outreach efforts to this user group can help ensure a healthy Great
Lakes ecosystem, as well as help support a strong and sustainable
recreational economy. The proposed “Great Lakes Clean Boat Initiative” would promote
these goals.
Proposed Activities
Develop a compilation of
outreach materials directed toward recreational boaters.
A great deal of outreach
materials has already been developed by GLRC partners. This effort would
capitalize on previous efforts and consolidate available information in
one place. Information would address: the risks of AIS transfer by
recreational boats, self-inspection methods, locations of boat wash
facilities, how to create new boat wash facilities, local regulations,
etc.
Hold a basin-wide Great Lakes Clean
Boat
Day to celebrate Great Lakes environmentally-sound recreational boating.
GLRC partners will contribute
efforts according to their agencies’ mission and resources. The
highlight of this effort will be a “Great Lakes Clean Boat Day,” to take place early
in the 2008 boating season, which will be promoted by GLRC partners and
the media.
Proposed Schedule
- Inventory existing recreational boating
material from existing educational campaigns, possibly including Sea
Grant’s Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point program, U.S. FWS/ANS
Task Force’s Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers campaign, the Pet Industry
Joint Advisory Council/Sea Grant/U.S. FWS Habitattitude campaign,
the Great Lakes Forever campaign, the Shedd Aquarium’s Listen to
Your Lakes Campaign, and Michigan Sea Grant’s Clean Boats, Clean
Waters Program. (October - December 2007).
- Make final compilation of materials publicly
available. (December 2007 - February 2008).
- Identification of a single day (ideally) can
be early in the boating season (June/July) that works for as many
GLRC partners as possible for holding a basin-wide “Great
Lakes Clean Boat Day”
(January 2008)
- Inventory of possible activities to support
Great Lakes Clean Boat Day, including press release, media events, user group
events, corporate sponsors, posting of new signs at access points,
volunteer cleaning support, etc. (January - March 2008).
- Engage with relevant user groups to enlist
their support for and participation in Great Lakes Clean Boat Day. Groups to
reach out to could include Boat U.S., the Boating Industries
Association, Izaak Walton League, Clean Marina programs, Clean
Boats, Clean Waters Programs, etc. (January 2008 - Great
Lakes Clean Boat Day).
- Develop outreach strategy to notify
recreational boaters of Great Lakes Clean Boat Day and associated
information. (February - May 2008).
- Develop talking points and other messaging for
Great Lakes Clean Boat Day. (March 2008).
- Hold “Great Lakes Clean Boat Day” early in the boating
season (June/July 2008). Partner with boating and yacht
associations through Sea Grant and others as appropriate to promote
participation and awareness.
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