OutdoorNebraska

OutdoorNebraska.org | 31 IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING ... REPORT THESE OFFENDERS! EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL Eurasian watermilfoil is an invasive aquatic plant that reproduces primarily through fragmentation, meaning only a tiny piece of the plant is needed to grow an entirely new plant. It is spread through boaters not following Clean, Drain, and Dry procedures between water bodies. This plant is extremely invasive and outcompetes other plant species resulting in near total lake coverage. Eurasian watermilfoil looks similar to our native species, with four leaves around a single stem, but contains 12-plus leaflets per side on each leaf. It is unlawful to transport aquatic vegetation between water bodies. If you encounter Eurasian watermilfoil at any location not listed below, contact the Game and Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager immediately. List of Water Bodies That Contain Eurasian Watermilfoil – Populations of Eurasian watermilfoil are present in these Nebraska waters: Louisville No. 2, Louisville No. 2A, Louisville No. 3, Prairie Queen, Wagon Train, Flanagan, Walnut Creek, Two Rivers No. 5, Smith Lake WMA, Carter P. Johnson, Walgren Lake, Carter Lake, Cottonwood, Swanson Reservoir, Box Butte, Bassway Strip, Birdwood, Crystal (Lincoln County), Hershey WMA, North Platte I-80, East Hershey, Lewis and Clark, and Lake Yankton. WHITE PERCH White perch are native to the East Coast and look very similar to white bass. Once established, this species has the ability to overwhelm an entire fishery, often resulting in the need to eliminate the entire fish population in an infested lake. White perch also consume eggs of several fish species, including white bass and walleye. Because white perch look similar to white bass, anglers have mistaken the species and moved them to other water bodies around the state. Never release any aquatic organism into a water body where it did not originate. It is illegal to possess or transport any live white perch. List of Water Bodies That Contain White Perch – Populations of white perch are present in these Nebraska waters: Rockford, Branched Oak, Pawnee, Holmes, Bowling, Wildwood, Prairie Queen, Zorinsky, Bluestem, Neligh Park Pond (West Point) and various Platte River sandpits. ZEBRA MUSSELS The zebra mussel is a highly invasive species that looks like a small D-shaped clam with alternating light and dark bands (resembling the coloration of a zebra). Most zebra mussels are less than 1 inch long. Zebra mussels decrease the food supply for native species and pollute swimming areas with sharp shells and also clog intake water pipes. Once established, this species is almost impossible to remove or control. If you encounter zebra mussels, contact the Game and Parks aquatic invasive species program manager immediately. List of Water Bodies That Contain Zebra Mussels – Populations of zebra mussels are present in these Nebraska waters. It is illegal to leave these infested areas with live fish or any water. Live baitfish need to be disposed of properly, such as at the fish cleaning station, restroom or undeveloped areas. • Offutt Base Lake • Lewis and Clark Lake • Missouri River • Lake Yankton SILVER CARP and BIGHEAD CARP Silver and Bighead Carp (commonly referred to as Asian or invasive carp) are two invasive fish species found in Nebraska. They are found in the Missouri River downstream of Gavins Point Dam and in free-flowing tributaries connected to the Missouri River. These fish species can be identified with the location of the eye, found below the center line of the body set down on the head in line with the mouth. If encountered in locations where they may not be found easily, contact the Game and Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager immediately. Bighead Carp Silver Carp

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