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CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY
Zebra and quagga mussels can survive out of water for up to two weeks. AIS, such as zebra
mussels, are invisible to the naked eye during the larval stage and can be spread through
drops of water that live up to 27 days in cooler temperature. Aquatic plants can be spread
by tiny fragments as well. After boating and before launching your boat in a different water
body:
• Rinse boat and all equipment with hot tap water ideally more than 140 degrees F to kill
zebra and quagga mussels. Vinegar can also be used to kill young zebra and quagga
mussels, especially in live wells;
• Spray boat, live well, engine and trailer with a high-pressure sprayer;
• Pull plugs from bilge, live wells and engine to drain upon leaving a water body.
• If washing the boat away from the water body you are leaving, do not allow runoff to
enter a drainage. Control your runoff.
• Dry boat and all equipment for at least five days. Use a towel to speed up the drying
process.
• Visit stopaquatichitchhikers.org for more information on procedures and AIS on
watercraft.
NONRESIDENT AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES STAMP
Motorized watercraft registered outside of Nebraska are
required to purchase and display an Aquatic Invasive Species
Stamp (image on the right) before launching from any
Nebraska boat ramp.
• The fee for the decal-like stamp is $15, which includes
a $2 issuing fee. (Fees may change in 2021; visit
OutdoorNebraska.org.)
• The stamp can be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org,
at Commission offices (see list on page 2), or authorized
permit agents.
• At the time of purchase, the purchaser will receive a valid temporary permit. The actual
stamp will be mailed within 10 business days.
• The stamp is required annually.
• 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. (See image on
right.)
