14 | Boating Safety Info: 402-471-5462
Zebra mussels on fallen tree
Aquatic Invasive Species
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM
Aquatic invasive species fees collected from boaters fund the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Program in Nebraska. These fees pay for programs to educate the public about AIS, prevention
efforts to keep AIS from being introduced into Nebraska, such as monitoring waters across
the state, inspection and decontamination of conveyances, treatment for AIS populations, and
other AIS projects as needed.
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION
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.
• It is unlawful for a boat or trailer to arrive or leave
a launch area with any aquatic vegetation from that
water body still attached. Boat blinds cannot use
plants listed as invasive species or noxious weeds.
• Wash mud off waders. Felt-sole wading boots are not allowed.
• These steps are intended to prevent or delay the establishment of aquatic invasive
species in Nebraska waters.
Want More Information?
To learn more about AIS,
visit: neinvasives.com.
