ST. PAUL  (AP) - With the fishing season opener coming up Saturday, Minnesota is urging boaters to 'pull the plug' on aquatic invasive species.

Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr says boaters and anglers need take personal responsibility to prevent the further spread of aquatic invasives such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas.

State law requires boaters to:

-Remove visible aquatic plants and zebra mussels from boats and trailers before leaving a water access;

-Drain water from boats, livewells and bilges by removing drain plugs and opening other drains before leaving;

-Drain bait containers when leaving any infested waters.

The DNR points out that some invasives are small and hard to see. It recommends cleaning boats and trailers with high-pressure sprayers using hot water, or drying boats and equipment at least five days.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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