Penalty for violating AIS laws changes

Civil citation fines for violating aquatic invasive species (AIS) laws in Minnesota are now double.

For example, the fine for transporting a watercraft or water-related equipment with attached aquatic plants will go from $50 to $100, and the fine for possessing or transporting a prohibited invasive species, such as zebra mussels, will now be $500.

Watercraft users need to remove all aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft, drain all water and leave all their drain plugs and water draining devices open during transport.

Throughout the summer, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will ramp up its boat inspections, enforcement efforts and educational campaign to prevent the spread of invasive zebra mussels and other AIS.

About 140 watercraft inspectors will be stationed around the state, checking boats for AIS and advising water users of laws and practices that will keep invasive species from spreading.

The DNR will also deploy 23 decontamination units at various water bodies around the state. The agency will concentrate inspectors and decontamination efforts at high-use water bodies that are currently infested with AIS.

Tags: local news, state laws, news, ais, penalty