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Oregon’s ‘pull the plug’ law requires boaters to drain water from boats and equipment before transporting them between water bodies to prevent spread of invasive species. Violations result in $30 to $50 fines. Inspection stations are available at major boating areas ($115 fine for non-compliance). Out-of-state boaters must obtain a $30 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permit. Decontamination services are available if you’ve boated in infested waters.
For more information about Oregon boating regulations, visit our Oregon boating guide.
Aquatic invasive species represent a serious threat to Oregon’s aquatic ecosystems, native fish populations, and recreational boating opportunities.
Invasive species such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and various invasive fish species are not native to Oregon and can devastate native ecosystems when introduced into Oregon waters. These species spread between lakes and rivers through water that remains in boats and equipment after boating in infested waters.
Just a small amount of water—even a few drops—can contain invasive species larvae that, if introduced to a new water body, can establish a population and spread rapidly. Zebra mussels, for example, can clog water intake pipes, damage boat engines, and interfere with power generation. Once established in a water body, invasive species are extremely difficult and costly to remove, often requiring years of management effort and millions of dollars in control costs.
Prevention is far more cost-effective than attempting to control an established invasive species population, which is why Oregon has implemented strict rules requiring boaters to prevent species spread.
Oregon’s ‘pull the plug’ law is the centerpiece of the state’s effort to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species between water bodies. This law requires all boaters to drain water from their boats and equipment before transporting their vessel to a different water body.
‘Pulling the plug’ means literally removing drain plugs, opening all valves, and ensuring that water is completely drained from the boat’s bilge, ballast tanks, live wells, bait tanks, and any other onboard water-holding systems. The law applies to everyone—recreational boaters, fishing charter operators, commercial vessels, and anyone transporting a boat from one location to another.
Water must be drained at the water body where you were boating, not during transport, to ensure maximum effectiveness. The purpose of this requirement is to eliminate any possibility that you’ll transport invasive species to a new location.
The ‘pull the plug’ law is a simple but highly effective measure that every boater can easily comply with. Establishing draining as a standard post-boating routine takes just a few minutes but provides critical protection for Oregon’s aquatic ecosystems.
The ‘pull the plug’ requirement extends beyond just the boat itself to all equipment used in the water. Boaters must drain water from fishing nets, bait containers, waders, anchors, ropes, and any other equipment that came into contact with the water. This comprehensive approach ensures that no water—and therefore no invasive species—are transported between water bodies.
For boats with complex water systems, completely draining all water may require more effort than for simple recreational boats. Inboard engines, cooling systems, and ballast tanks all need to be drained. Some boats have drain systems that automatically empty these water-holding areas, while others require manual draining.
Before boating season begins, inspect your boat’s drain systems to ensure they function properly and that all drain plugs can be easily accessed and removed. If your boat is equipped with a live well, bait tank, or ballast system, plan extra time for complete draining before leaving the water body.
Never assume that water will drain completely on its own—actively verify that all water has been removed from your boat and equipment before transporting it. The Oregon State Marine Board provides drain location guides for common boat types to help boaters ensure complete draining.
The Oregon State Marine Board operates inspection stations at major boating areas throughout Oregon. These stations employ trained inspectors who examine boats and equipment to verify compliance with invasive species prevention requirements.
Inspection stations check that boats have been properly drained and look for signs of recent water contact that might indicate incomplete draining. Most inspection stations are staffed seasonally during peak boating months when invasive species spread risk is highest.
Some major boat launches have permanent inspection infrastructure, while others use seasonal or mobile inspection operations. All boaters should be prepared to have their boats inspected if they approach a boating area with an inspection station.
Boaters who fail to drain their boats and are cited by an inspection officer may face a $115 fine for non-compliance with invasive species prevention requirements. Working cooperatively with inspection officers helps ensure the effectiveness of these prevention measures.
Inspection officers are not enforcement-only—many inspection stations also provide free decontamination services for boaters concerned they may have contacted invasive species.
Out-of-state boaters who are transporting their boats into Oregon are required to obtain an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permit before launching their boat in Oregon waters. This permit costs $30 and is designed to ensure out-of-state boaters understand Oregon’s invasive species prevention requirements.
The permit allows the Oregon State Marine Board to track which out-of-state boaters have received education about preventing invasive species spread and confirms that boats coming from other states have been properly decontaminated if they were previously used in infested waters. Out-of-state boaters can obtain an AIS permit through the Oregon State Marine Board website or at designated permit vendors in Oregon boating communities.
The permit is typically valid for a specified period, such as 30 days or one year, allowing visiting boaters flexibility in how long they use their boats in Oregon. Failure to obtain a required AIS permit can result in fines.
For more information about Oregon boating regulations and invasive species prevention, visit our Oregon boating license page.
If you have boated in waters known to be infested with invasive species or if you’re concerned that your boat may have contacted invasive species, Oregon provides decontamination services to help clean your boat before boating in Oregon waters. Decontamination typically involves high-pressure washing that removes any organisms or larvae that might be clinging to your boat’s exterior, engine cooling systems, and other surfaces.
Decontamination is most important for boaters who have recently boated in another state or in waters where invasive species are present. The Oregon State Marine Board operates some decontamination stations, and private businesses also offer decontamination services.
Some decontamination services are free, while others charge a fee. If you’ve boated in waters with confirmed invasive species and are planning to boat in Oregon, seeking decontamination before transporting your boat to Oregon is a responsible action that prevents species spread and demonstrates commitment to protecting Oregon’s aquatic resources.
Decontamination services are available at many major boat launch areas throughout Oregon, particularly near state borders where out-of-state boaters are most likely to access Oregon waters.
The Oregon State Marine Board enforces invasive species prevention requirements with a structured penalty system. Boaters caught violating the ‘pull the plug’ requirement or other invasive species prevention rules face fines of $30 to $50 for first violations. These penalties are designed to encourage compliance while remaining proportional to the infraction.
However, boaters who fail to comply with inspection station orders or who refuse inspection may face higher penalties, including the $115 fine for non-compliance at inspection stations. Out-of-state boaters who fail to obtain a required AIS permit may also face fines. Beyond financial penalties, boaters who spread invasive species and cause environmental damage could potentially face civil liability for the costs of controlling the invasion they caused.
The key to avoiding penalties is understanding and complying with Oregon’s invasive species prevention requirements. These requirements are straightforward: drain your boat before transporting it, comply with inspection station procedures, obtain required permits if you’re an out-of-state boater, and seek decontamination if you’ve boated in infested waters.
Compliance takes minimal effort and time while providing maximum protection for Oregon’s precious aquatic resources and ecosystems.
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