As the start of boating season nears, drivers bringing motorized and non-motorized boats into Oregon will now have to stop at watercraft inspection stations in order to keep aquatic invasive species out of the state.

Motorists will be alerted of inspection stations with large orange signs and all vehicles carrying motorized or non-motorized boats, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats, must stop at inspection stations located in Ashland, Ontario, Brookings, Klamath Falls and Umatilla. Stations in Lakeview and Burns will be open in May.

“It’s our first line of defense in keeping aquatic invasive species such as mussels, plants and snails out of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest,” said Rick Boatner, invasive species coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish And Wildlife, in a press release. “It takes just five to 10 minutes in most cases. You’re protecting Northwest waters and preventing yourself from possibly receiving a $110 fine for by-passing a check station.”

Invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels can be difficult to spot and can live as long as 21 days out of water.

All motorized boats and non-motorized paddlecraft longer than 10 feet are also required to have an aquatic invasive species prevention permit.