14 | Boating Safety Info: 402-471-5462
Aquatic Invasive Species
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAM
Aquatic invasive species fees collected from boaters fund the Aquatic Invasive Species
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.
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 unlawful.
• These steps are intended to prevent or delay the establishment
of aquatic invasive species in Nebraska waters.
Report Suspected AIS Observations
For questions, or to report any suspected AIS
observations, contact the Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission's aquatic invasive species
program manager at 402-471-7602 or ngpc.
ais@nebraska.gov.
AIS Regulation Changes Pending
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
amended aquatic invasive species regulations
in October 2024. These pending changes relate
to definitions, species categories, unlawful
activities, inspections, decontaminations,
impoundments, and restrictions. Once the
changes are fully approved, this guide will be
updated at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
