Clean Drain Dry (CDD)

is a public awareness campaign aimed at working hand-in-hand with anglers, boaters, and watershed groups to protect our province’s lakes and rivers and prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.

While we do not perform physical invasive species removal, we empower those who enjoy New Brunswick's lakes, rivers, and coastlines to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY their boats, trailers, and other recreational equipment to stop ‘aquatic hitchhikers’.

Check out our new video
“Protecting Our Aquatic Playground!”

Find our new video about Clean Drain Dry on our YouTube! This video highlights the importance of protecting the lakes, rivers, and coastlines we all enjoy from the threat of aquatic invasive species.

Before moving to a new waterbody, inspect your watercraft and equipment, then Clean, Drain, and Dry to ensure no aquatic hitchhikers are travelling with you.

We sincerely thank Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), through the Habitat Stewardship Program, as well as the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund and the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund, for their support and commitment to protecting our native environment.

Stop the Spread of Zebra Mussels!

Zebra Mussels pose a serious threat to our waters.

Remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY to help stop the spread of invasive Zebra Mussels! Learn about their impact, how to identify them, and what you can do to help prevent their spread.

Learn more about Zebra Mussels

The CDD Steps

Clean

Do a visual inspection of your watercraft and gear to remove visible debris such as plants, mud, or animals, paying special attention to areas like motors where plant material is likely to collect.

Wash all vehicles and equipment with hot water (45°C) when possible.

Ensure that anything you remove is disposed of onto land, and that rinse water does not drain into natural waterbodies.

Drain

Drain all water from your watercraft and equipment, including ballast tanks, live wells, bilges, bait buckets, motors, coolers, buckets, and ropes.

Flip and drain non-motorized watercraft.

Pull all plugs before transporting your watercraft. It is illegal to transport plugged watercraft in some provinces and U.S. states.

Dry

Completely dry all surfaces. Ensure no standing water remains before entering another waterbody.

Towel drying is much more effective than air drying.

Use a sponge or towel for hard to dry areas, as air drying may never sufficiently dry these areas.

If air-drying, equipment should be left out of water for at least 30 days before being put in a new waterbody.

Zebra mussels have been known to survive up to 30 days out of water, depending on temperature and humidity.

While we do not perform physical invasive species removal, we empower local communities with the knowledge, tools, and early-detection networks needed to stop invasions before they start

How This Helps

Getting rid of, or even just controlling, an invasive species once it has arrived is very difficult. Prevention is the most effective and cost-efficient way to protect New Brunswick's waters.

Aquatic invasive species are often spread unintentionally when boats, trailers, and recreational equipment are moved between waterbodies. Plants, animals, and microscopic organisms can hitch a ride by attaching to equipment or surviving in standing water found in live wells, ballast tanks, bilges, and other compartments.

By taking a few minutes to Clean, Drain, and Dry, everyone can help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. When you spot and report a suspected aquatic hitchhiker, you aren't just protecting your favourite fishing spot, you are directly strengthening provincial and national tracking networks.

Program Activities

Through the CLEAN DRAIN DRY program, we work with government, Indigenous communities, watershed organizations, researchers, municipalities, lake associations, and recreational user groups to raise awareness about aquatic invasive species and how to prevent their spread. Together, we support education, outreach, behaviour change, and partnerships that help protect New Brunswick's waters.

Check out our CDD activities below and contact us if you would like to get involved!

Information Booths

We facilitate information booths at boat launches and events such as fishing tournaments.

Species ID Workshops

We facilitate workshops to educate the public on Identifying Invasive Species.

CDD
Signage

We supply signage to raise awareness of invasive species and remind boaters to CLEAN DRAIN DRY.

Partnership
Activities

Together with our partners, we conduct joint outreach and management activities.

Example Species

See it? Report it!

As a non-profit organization, we do not physically remove established invasive species. Rapid reporting does allows us to focus on prevention, community education, and strengthening tracking networks.

Help keep New Brunswick free of invasive species!

Report an invasive Species

Resources

Check out some of our free helpful resources

Take the Pledge

Ready to do your part to stop aquatic hitchhikers?

Take the pledge to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY to help us prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species! Visit cleandraindry.ca for more information.

Take the Pledge