2017 Annual Report 41
A Q U A T I C
H A B I T A T
S T A M P
B R I N G S
N E W L I F E
T O A G I N G
W A T E R S
Initiated in 1997,
the Aquatic Habitat
Stamp is required for anyone who wants to fi sh in Nebraska.
Income generated by sales of the stamp income is dedicated to
addressing habitat issues in our reservoirs, natural lakes, rivers,
streams and sand pits. Twenty years after its launch, the Aquatic
Habitat Stamp has funded projects to rehabilitate aquatic habitat
and improve angler access at 110 public water bodies across the
state. Projects have included the complete draining and removal of
accumulated sediments; installation of sediment retention dikes;
creation of wetland cells to treat incoming fl ows; restoration of
eroded shorelines, renovations of fi sheries; installation of ADA-
accessible fi shing piers and boat launch facilities; and creation of
underwater fi sh habitat features that improve fi shing experiences.
More than 71 funding partners have aided Game and Parks in
these projects. To date, more than $68 million has been spent
to bring new life to aging Nebraska waters. The Aquatic Habitat
Program currently has 49 projects underway across the state.
ORIGINAL
1997
AQUATIC
HABITAT
STAMP
2 0 1 7 S T A T E R E C O R D S U M M A R Y
Eleven fi sh were recognized as new state records in 2017. Four
of those fi sh were taken by rod and reel: tiger trout, two triploid
crappie and redear sunfi sh. Three were taken by bow fi shing:
shorthead redhorse sucker, bigmouth buff alo and fl athead catfi sh.
Four were taken by underwater spearfi shing: alewife, muskellunge,
bluegill and shortnose gar. The smallest state record entered was
a 1-ounce, 5½-inch alewife taken by underwater spearfi shing at
Lake McConaughy, while the largest was a 55-pound fl athead
catfi sh taken by bow and arrow on the Nemaha River.
