New York state announced an aggressive plan to address round goby, an aquatic invasive species threatening the Champlain basin, that does not impede Champlain Canal navigation. (credit: NYS Canal Corporation)
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SPRINGFIELD. Va., March 28, 2022 – Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nation’s boating advocacy, services, and safety group for recreational boaters, has concerns over the Nature Conservancy’s recent call to “temporarily” close Champlain Canal Lock C7 for the 2022 navigation season set to begin May 20 and scheduled to run through mid-October.

The environmental group is pushing for closing the lock, located in Fort Edward, New York, due to the presence of round goby, an aquatic invasive species (AIS) fish that has been identified in the Hudson River downstream of Troy Dam. The canalized waterway connects Albany to Lake Champlain through a series of 11 locks.

In response to the threat of goby entering the Champlain basin, on Thursday, March 24, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and canal operator New York State Canal Corporation announced a plan to immediately address the issue.

The plan calls for aggressive sampling efforts using environmental DNA to learn where round goby are today and how they may enter the basin from all locations, implementing risk-reduction strategies such as timed and double-flushing of vessel lock-throughs at locks C7 and C8 to prevent potential upstream migration, early detection monitoring, and accessing alternative measures that have been successful in mitigating passage of AIS, including in-water fencing with electric curtains. Most importantly, the plan keeps open the potential for additional measures if necessary.

Coordinating with Vermont and Canada and working with the Lake Champlain Basin Program, DEC and the Canal Corporation will also develop integrated, data-driven rapid response plans, implement new public education measures, such as addressing the use of bait buckets, and provide a thorough assessment of all the potential impacts of a lock closure.

“We support these actions as intermediate steps and the beginning of a permanent and more encompassing AIS solution – one that addresses both fish and plant life,” said BoatUS Vice President of Public Affairs Scott Croft.

The boating advocacy group with more than 44,000 members in the Empire State has long supported measures to stop the spread of AIS, such as though “Clean, Drain, Dry” vessel inspection programs; and other educational efforts. “We believe in finding effective AIS solutions that don’t eliminate navigation or negatively affect boating access,” added Croft.

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About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

Celebrating more than 50 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 800,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. On the water when boats break down or run aground, our 600+ vessel, 300+ location nationwide TowBoatUS® fleet brings our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock, and on the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™ to help ensure a roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdown won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and superior service they need. BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the US with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe and our waters clean. Visit BoatUS.com.