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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, efforts to keep AIS from being introduced, such as monitoring state waters; inspection and decontamination of conveyances; treatment for AIS populations; and other AIS projects as needed.

Aquatic Invasive Species 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, decreasing boating and angling access opportunities.

Preventive Steps – Anglers and boaters should 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 regulations:

  • 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.

Clean, Dry and Drain

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:

  • Dry boat and all equipment for at least five days. Use a towel to dry initially.
  • Pull plugs from bilge, live wells and engine to drain upon leaving water body.
  • Rinse boat and all equipment with hot tap water, ideally more than 140 degrees F, to kill any attached AIS.
  • If washing the boat away from the water body you are leaving, do not allow runoff to enter a drainage. Control your runoff.
  • Visit stopaquatichitchhikers.org 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.

If You See Something, Say Something ... Report These Offenders!

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Close-up image of a Eurasian Watermilfoil specimen, showing feathery, whorled green leaves on a central stem, displayed on a white background.
Eurasian Watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant known for its feather-like leaves and rapid growth, shown here on a white background for identification.

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 out competes other plants, resulting in near total lake coverage. Eurasian watermilfoil looks like 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, Walgren Lake, Carter Lake, Cottonwood, Swanson Reservoir, Rock Creek Lake, Box Butte, Bassway Strip, Birdwood, Crystal (Lincoln County), Hershey WMA, North Platte I-80, East Hershey, Lewis and Clark, Lake Yankton, Cottonmill, Bufflehead, Goose, Chapell, and Mormon Island Lakes 1 and 2.

White Perch

Illustration of a white perch fish with a silvery body, faint horizontal stripes, and a spiny dorsal fin.
White Perch – This silvery fish with subtle horizontal stripes is commonly found in brackish and freshwater habitats throughout the eastern United States.

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, Zorinsky, Bluestem, Neligh Park Pond (West Point),Fremont Lakes SRA, various Platte River sandpits, Twin Lakes, Cunningham, and Yankee Hill.

Zebra Mussels

Close-up of a zebra mussel being held between two fingers, showing its brown and tan striped shell on a black background.
This invasive species features a distinct striped shell and can cause serious ecological and infrastructure damage by clogging pipes and outcompeting native species.

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: Offutt Base Lake, Lewis and Clark Lake, Missouri River, Lake Yankton, and Beaver Lake. 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.

Silver Carp and Bighead Carp

Side-by-side illustrations of a Silver Carp (top, pale body and upturned mouth) and a Bighead Carp (bottom, darker body with a larger head and downward-facing mouth).
Invasive Silver Carp and Bighead Carp – These fast-reproducing species disrupt native ecosystems by outcompeting other fish for food and habitat.

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. They now have been found on the Platte River as far west as directly below the diversion dam near North Platte. 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 ParksAquatic Invasive Species Program Manager immediately.

Transportation and Possession – It is unlawful to possess or transport live black carp, silver carp, bighead carp, white perch, yellow bass, and all other listed category 1 and 2 invasive species. See species lists in fisheries regulations at OutdoorNebraska.gov/regulations.

Nonresident Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp

Illustration showing the placement of a Nebraska Nonresident Boat AIS decal labeled "25" on the rear left side of a motorboat.
Nebraska AIS Decal Placement – Nonresident boats must display the 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) decal on the port side of the transom for legal operation.

Motorized watercraft registered outside of Nebraska are required to purchase and display an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp (image on the right), which is required annually, 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 online through the Outdoor Nebraska website, at Commission offices, or from 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 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 above.)
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