MSU ExtensionClean Boats Clean Waters

The mission of Clean Boats, Clean Waters is to prevent aquatic invasive species introductions and subsequently their spread from boating and fishing activities through outreach and engagement. The Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is building a unified understanding of boat cleaning practices and regulations through the creation and distribution of materials, mobile boat washing demonstrations, events, and partnerships with environmental organizations.

The program began in 2006 as a partnership between Michigan Sea Grant and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and was adapted from Wisconsin’s Clean Boats, Clean Waters program. Throughout the years the program has trained numerous organizations and volunteers about aquatic invasive species and how to conduct boat inspections.

In 2020 the program was reinvented and combined with the Michigan State University Mobile Boat Wash to be an all-encompassing boater outreach program. The program is currently funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and is a partnership between Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

If you have questions about Clean Boats, Clean Waters contact