This weekend’s In Focus conversation on boating safety shifted to the need to protect the state’s natural aquatic habitats as well.

JoDee Kenney sat down with Scott Jamieson, biologist and watercraft inspection Steward Program coordinator for Invasive Species for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Jamieson said to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, it’s important for anyone out boating, kayaking, or jet skiing to remember the Clean, Drain, Dry requirement once bringing their vessel back on land.

The Watercraft Inspection Steward Program, Jamieson said, is the state’s front-line defense, with several inspection and cleaning stations on highways and high-use boat launches. Some aquatic invasive species Jamieson said are most concerning include zebra mussels, hydrilla, milfoil, round goby, northern snakehead, and several non-native species of carp. For boaters in the Adirondack region, Jamieson said it is important to follow the state law requiring vessel decontamination and inspection.

You can watch the full interview with Scott Jamieson via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.