Boat owners and marina owners are a key link in stopping the spread of Hydrilla from infested waters to other areas of the Albemarle watershed. Also, citizen scientists and the general public can help.

Raise awareness of the issue by sharing resources or this brochure.

If you think you have found a new infestation of Hydrilla, report it.


Boat Owners

Hydrilla is easily spread through boats and trailers that are not properly cleaned. Photo by Rob Emens.

Hydrilla is easily spread through boats and trailers that are not properly cleaned. Photo by Rob Emens.

All types of watercraft have the potential to spread Hydrilla, including canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, personal watercraft and sail boats in and out of the water. Boat cleaning helps stop the spread of this and many other invasive species.

Here are some steps boat owners can take:


Marina Owners

Here are some steps marina owners can take:


Citizen Scientists

Consider becoming a Hydrilla Guerilla. Organize or become part of a trained group of volunteers that complete boat-based surveys for specific watersheds to document Hydrilla infestations.

Training sessions are held in late summer. Surveys take place from late summer to the middle of autumn.

Interested? Contact Gloria Putnam at gloria_putnam@ncsu.edu or 919-513-0117.


General Public

If you think you have found a new infestation of Hydrilla, report it.

Removing Hydrilla by hand is discouraged. Any activity that cuts or breaks apart weeds carries the risk of spreading fragments to other areas, especially with Hydrilla. Additionally, hand harvesting Hydrilla is not effective long-term control because if you do not remove the entire plant, including the tubers buried deep in the soil, it will re-sprout. .

If you attempt to remove Hydrilla by hand, minimize fragmentation and capture all pieces. Large fishing nets can be used to help catch some of the fragments, although they are not likely to get all of them.

Note: Any dredging or bottom-disturbing activities in coastal areas require a permit from the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.