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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 temperatures. 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.
• 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 $18, which
includes a $3 issuing fee.
• 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 below.)
