Jeep1980 Loc: Bellingham, Wa.

That's what is done at Whatcom and Samish, boat and trailer get tagged... good to g

TimothyMichaels Loc: Seattle WA

Yes this is a real threat. I am not in an area the is effected as of yet but did take the course. The course did not go to the detail I thought it should have. For instance, just how microscopic can these critters be? I have pontoons on my Kayak; I think I'll seal them as they are just PVC tubes filled with polystyrene. I did not manufacture them to be water tight, but it is possible to pretty much seal them with a little caulking. I did take the course and to see that where I originate from (MN) has a good saturation of them. I wonder how that effects the fishing there? The course really never went into that info or how it effects the fishing up in Whatcom Co? We left MN in 85 and I can't remember ever hearing of this issue back then. But I believe the course said this started up in the early 80s and probably was not much of an item back then. I think the only way they will defeat this is through genetic engineering. The cost unfortunately, will be prohibitive for guys like me on retirement income to keep up with all the inspection fees. I do believe that this issue will grow and devastate our lakes. This is because it is impossible to share this knowledge with everyone. And some hearers are apathetic and will not pitch in to help. (This does not mean they wont be forced to pay a inspection fee, but that without some sort of authority, apathetic people will not clean their boats) The government is stepping in and I believe as the problem grows they will step in more and more and the day of sport fishing in our lakes will come to a trickle. If all the regular guys (and gals) who give a rip manned the proverbial oars I don't think they would need the fees seen up in Whatcom. It might be better to have the invasive species police (ISP) and a mandatory course when acquiring a fishing or boating license. I also noticed the course did not mention streams and rivers, but it may just be because the producers were concerned with their particular lakes. There is so much more to say about this but I find it very frustrating or, perhaps depressing to think about. Boating and fishing for fun and eats is one of my passions for relaxation. My other treat is playing pedal steel guitar. The only invasive species there is my old diminishing ears.