OutdoorNebraska

OutdoorNebraska.org | 27 Certificate – A Fishing Tournament Approval Certificate must be present at the tournament site. Posted Dates – The tournament dates will be listed at OutdoorNebraska.org/fishingtournaments. Results – A results form will be sent to the tournament director. This form must be completed and returned to the Fisheries Division within 30 days following the completion of the fishing tournament. Failure to return the completed form or provide the requested information will result in denial of future fishing-tournament requests for at least one year. Tagged Fish – The use of tagged or otherwise marked fish is prohibited in any fishing tournament, derby or contest held on waters owned or controlled and stocked by Game and Parks during the preceding 24 months, excluding private lakes not owned by the state or other governmental entity. STAY ALIVE, AVOID HYPOTHERMIA Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature passes below 95 F (35 C). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't work normally. Left untreated, hypothermia can eventually lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system and to death. Hypothermia is most often caused by exposure to cold weather or immersion in cold water. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM The Aquatic Invasive Species Program focuses on the education of the public about aquatic invasive species (AIS). It aims to prevent the introduction of AIS into Nebraska through such efforts as monitoring state waters, inspecting and decontaminating conveyances, and treating for AIS populations. Fees – The program is funded by a $5 fee added to resident boat registrations and a $15 annual nonresident Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp. Aquatic Invasive Species – Any waterborne, non-native organism that threatens the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of impacted waters, or commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activities. Impact – Invasive species may cause significant ecological problems because they have been introduced into habitat in which there are no natural pathogens, parasites or predators. Lack of these natural controls may allow a nuisance species to grow exponentially in new habitat. Introduced nuisance species may prey upon or compete with native species and could transmit diseases to native species. Preventive Steps – Anglers and boaters should take precautions to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species. This is especially important to boaters who travel to waters that have invasive species not present in any Nebraska waters. Follow these procedures: • It is unlawful for a boat to arrive at or leave any body of water in Nebraska with water other than from a domestic source except for fire-fighting purposes. Drain water on site before leaving an area and allow the boat to dry before launching again. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES NONRESIDENT AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES STAMP Motorized watercraft registered outside of Nebraska are required to purchase and display the Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp before launching from any Nebraska boat ramp. The $15 fee for the decal-like stamp includes a $2 issuing fee. The stamp can be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org or at Commission offices. The stamp must be permanently affixed to the starboard and rearward side of the boat, on the outside of the hull above the water line.

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