New Jersey Boating Certification Practice Test

What should a boat operator do to prevent transporting nuisance species?

1. Monitor weather conditions regularly

2. Clean the hull and clear the bilge

3. Use biodegradable cleaning products

4. Store equipment in dry areas

The correct answer is: Clean the hull and clear the bilge

To prevent transporting nuisance species, cleaning the hull and clearing the bilge is essential. This action helps remove any aquatic plants, animals, or microorganisms that may have adhered to the boat or collected in areas like the bilge. Nuisance species can disrupt local ecosystems when introduced into new waters, leading to harmful environmental impacts. By thoroughly cleaning the boat before relocating it to a different water body, an operator minimizes the risk of inadvertently spreading these invasive species. The other choices, while they promote good boating practices, do not directly address the transfer of nuisance species. Monitoring weather conditions is important for safety, using biodegradable cleaning products is environmentally friendly, and storing equipment in dry areas can prevent mildew or rust, but none of these directly help in removing or preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species.