BISMARCK, N.D. (G&F) – North Dakota anglers, water recreationists and anyone working in lakes or streams are reminded to follow these simple regulations to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Know the laws, as each state and province have their own rules and regulations. North Dakota regulations include:

• Do not import live aquatic bait.
• Use only legal bait species.
• Transport live bait in containers of five gallons or less.
• Properly dispose of unused bait.
• Drain water and remove vegetation from all equipment when leaving a waterbody.
• Remove drain plugs and keep out or open during transport.

Clean, drain and dry any equipment (recreational or commercial) that is used in any waterbody.

• Clean: remove plants, animals and excessive mud from trailers, hulls, motors and other equipment such as fishing rods.
• Drain: drain all water, including bilges, livewells and bait buckets.
• Dry: allow all equipment to dry completely or disinfect before using again. If necessary, use sponges or towels to remove excess water and allow compartments to dry.

Report any plant or animal that seems out of place.

• Visit the online reporting form at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.
• Call Jessica Howell, Game and Fish ANS coordinator, 701-368-8368.