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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 single drops of water, surviving for 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:
• Clean watercraft and equipment by removing all vegetation, debris, mud and
mussels. If possible, rinse boat and all equipment with high-pressure, hot tap
water.
• If washing the boat away from the water body you are leaving, do not allow runoff
to enter a drainage. Control your runoff.
• Drain watercraft entirely before leaving the water body by removing plugs from
bilge, live wells and engine. Trim engine down and allow it to drain.
• Dry boat and all equipment for at least five days. Use a towel to dry initially.
• Visit stopaquatichitchhikers.org or OutdoorNebraska.gov/aquaticinvasivespecies for
more information on procedures and AIS on watercraft.
AIS watercraft inspectors are present at several Nebraska water bodies from May
through October to ensure compliance with Game and Parks regulations. When an
inspector is present, it is mandatory to stop and comply with an AIS inspection.
INSPECTIONS
• An authorized inspector is approved by the Commission to require and conduct
inspection of any conveyance that may contain or carry an Aquatic Invasive Species
as permitted by law.
• It is the responsibility of the owner of the conveyance to reimburse any costs
related to the decontamination procedure.
• If the Commission requires by regulations that an inspection is required prior to
launching or attempting to launch a conveyance on any property owned or operated
by the Commission, it shall be unlawful to launch or attempt to launch without
an inspection. Any person operating a conveyance may be ordered to remove the
conveyance from the water or any launch area by any conservation officer or peace
officer if there is probable cause to believe that the conveyance was not properly
inspected prior to launch or may otherwise contain AIS. Once removed from the
water or launch area, the conveyance shall be subject to inspection for the removal
and disposal of AIS.
• Decontamination of a conveyance takes place when all AIS, soil, plants and
organisms are removed or destroyed. This will be accomplished by:
• washing the exterior and intakes using water at least 140 degrees F and a
