Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) have been a growing issue in the natural resources management community and recreational boating industry. Fishing, boating, and tourism are all harmed by AIS, putting water access at risk. The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) is hosting the AIS Summit to engage major stakeholders in an in-depth dialogue regarding prevention, inspection and decontamination of boats.

It will be held January 27-28 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event will focus on identifying and vetting opportunities related to boat design and construction, component/system design and installation, engine and propulsion systems, and trailer design and construction.

Participating stakeholders will be part of a movement to improve the relationship between the recreational boating industry and AIS community, ultimately improving the overall on-water experience. ABYC technical director Brian Goodwin said, “to support ABYC’s mission of increasing customer satisfaction, this critical event will investigate how small changes in boat construction may have big impacts on mitigating the spread of AIS and reducing boaters’ time at inspection stations.” Conclusions and recommendations made during the summit will help decrease the spread of AIS and prevent restrictive legislation.

Stakeholders will also learn what happens to products in the field and how to make improvements. Boatbuilders, leaders of marinas/service facilities that conduct inspections and decontamination, as well as manufacturers of engines and propulsion systems, components and/or systems that utilize raw water, and trailers are all encouraged to attend. Those who would like more information should contact Brian Goodwin at bgoodwin@abycinc.org. Online registration is available until January 5 at www.abycinc.org.

Since 1954, the non-profit American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has developed safety standards for boat design, construction, equipage, repair and maintenance. The essential global source of marine industry technical information, ABYC’s product safety standards, credentialing, education, training, and other tools help members make boating safer.

Contact the American Boat & Yacht Council, 613 Third St. #10, Annapolis, MD 21403. 410-990-4460; Fax: 410-990-4466. media@abycinc.org. www.abycinc.org.