Quagga Mussel Spreading

Stop the quagga mussel!
Cleaning rules for boats and water sports equipment
The invasive quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) has arrived in our reservoirs. It is multiplying explosively, endangering the ecological balance and causing enormous economic damage. In order to curb its spread, the following cleaning rules apply with immediate effect for boats and water sports equipment on the Ruhrverband reservoirs:
1.
All boats that are used on more than one Ruhrverband reservoir or are moved from another body of water to a Ruhrverband reservoir must undergo a thorough cleaning before being launched.
2. The cleaning must be carried out with a high-pressure cleaner and water that is as hot as possible (60 °C). Don’t forget trailers and electric motors! Completely drain or suction off bilge/residual water!
3. The transmission occurs not only via adult mussels, but also via larvae and eggs. They cannot be seen with the naked eye, but must also be removed thoroughly. Therefore, pay particular attention to cracks, gaps, etc.!
4. After cleaning, the boat, trailer and electric motor must dry completely (drying period approx. three weeks).
5. Other water sports equipment (SUPs, boards, foils, kayaks, canoes, diving equipment, etc.) must also be thoroughly cleaned and dried if they have been used in another body of water before being used in a Ruhrverband reservoir.
6. Cleaning is not permitted in the storage area or shore area of the Ruhrverband reservoirs (see also leisure regulations).
Thank you for following these rules.
The Ruhrverband