ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York state is working to fight zebra mussels, the spiny waterflea and other invasive aquatic species by training boaters to stop the organisms from harming the environment.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that the state will award $2 million in grants to local cities and towns, non-profit organizations and colleges that work to educate boaters about the threat posed by invading animals and plants.

The money will also pay for boat decontamination stations so boaters can clean their watercraft before accidentally transporting an invasive species to uncontaminated bodies of water.

State officials say New York's many rivers, lakes, ponds and streams make it particularly sensitive to invasive animals and plants, which can compete with native species for food sources and disrupt the environment.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved