The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters of the risks of transporting aquatic invasive species.

The DNR says this year water inspectors have found more than 1,300 boaters carrying aquatic plants, invasive animals or water in their boating equipment. In addition the DNR has found 2,600 boats arriving at public access points with drain plugs in.

Conservation officers have issued over 150 citations and nearly 400 warning tickets for boaters with aquatic invasive species violations so far this year, a violation percentage rate of 26 percent.

Watercraft inspectors want to remind boaters to check their boats and trailers before entering or leaving a lake, river or other body of water for invasive species.

The DNR says Minnesota currently has almost 200 lakes infested with zebra mussels, one of the more common and well known forms of invasive species.