Clean, Drain and Dry to help stop aquatic invasive species

As many Nebraskans return to the water to take pleasure in boating for the summer time, the Nebraska Sport and Parks Fee urges them to be cautious of pesky hitchhikers that invade the state’s waters.

Invasive species can hitchhike on boats and gear, spreading to different lakes. To stop their unfold, Sport and Parks watercraft inspectors shall be checking boats earlier than they launch at lakes throughout the state. If zebra mussels are discovered connected to a ship, it won’t be allowed to launch.

A zebra mussel is a extremely invasive aquatic species that appears like a D-shaped clam, with alternating mild and darkish bands. Most zebra mussels are lower than an inch lengthy. They kind dense colonies and filter massive portions of plankton from water, reducing the meals provide for native species. As well as, these mussels pollute swimming areas with sharp shells and clog water consumption pipes.

Zebra mussels can stay as much as two weeks out of water; younger zebra mussels — or veligers — are invisible to the bare eye and will be unfold by way of any water left undrained.

Sport and Parks laws require anglers, hunters and boaters conduct clear, drain and dry procedures earlier than leaving a water physique; in addition they aren’t allowed to reach at a water physique with any water from one other.

After boating and earlier than launching your boat in a unique water physique:

Clear your boat: Rinse your vessel and all gear with sizzling faucet water, ideally greater than 140 levels to kill zebra and quagga mussels. Spray the boat, stay properly, engine and trailer with a high-pressure sprayer.

Drain your boat: Pull plugs from the bilge, stay wells and engine to empty upon leaving a water physique. If washing the boat away from the water physique you might be leaving, don’t permit runoff to enter a drainage.

Dry your boat: Let your boat and all gear dry for at the very least 5 days. Use a towel to hurry up the drying course of.

Go to StopAquaticHitchhikers.org for extra data on procedures and AIS on watercraft.

Report any suspected statement of zebra mussels or different aquatic invasive species to Sport and Parks at 402-471-7602 or at ngpc.ais@nebraska.gov.