Which of the following is an important step in preventing the spread of invasive species?

Removing water from the boat before leaving a water body is a crucial step in preventing the spread of invasive species. Many invasive species, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, can cling to the hull of a boat, be trapped in the bilge, or remain in other parts of the vessel. When a boat is transported from one body of water to another, any water that remains can carry these invasive organisms, leading to their introduction into new ecosystems where they can disrupt local wildlife and habitats.

By ensuring that all water is removed before leaving a water body, boaters can significantly reduce the likelihood of inadvertently transferring invasive species to new locations. This practice is especially important as some species can survive in small amounts of water, making thorough removal a necessary measure in conservation efforts.

Cleaning the boat with fresh water or using detergent might help reduce the number of organisms, but may not be fully effective in all situations and could also introduce other pollutants into the water. Taking the boat to a mechanic is unrelated to invasive species management. Therefore, removing water from the boat is the most direct and effective action in preventing the transfer and spread of invasive species during boating activities.