ST. PAUL  — The role of the boating industry in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is the topic of a symposium in St. Paul.

Minnesota’s watershed districts are presenting the half-day forum Wednesday in partnership with the Water Sports Industry Association, the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center and Tonka Bay Marina.

Organizers say that as agencies and researchers strive to protect Minnesota waters from zebra mussels, Asian carp and other invaders, boat manufacturers and other private-sector partners are playing a critical role in the search for long-term solutions.

The Water Sports Industry Association is working with boat makers to test filters that prevent the youngest zebra mussels from being transported in ballast tanks. And the state of Colorado worked with the industry to develop a successful approach to boat inspections.