As cold weather approaches and Nebraskans remove their watercraft, docks, and other boating equipment from the water, Nebraska Game and Parks encourages boat owners to check their equipment for zebra mussels.

Zebra mussels are highly invasive, and when introduced into a water body can cause millions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and catastrophically effect ecosystems and agricultural areas.

“Many boaters already are on the lookout for zebra mussels, but it’s important that every Nebraskan check their equipment for attached mussels so we’re informed about new infestations and can respond quickly,” said Jena Paugels, Nebraska Game and Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Program biologist. “This is our last weapon against zebra mussels before winter begins and their reproductive season ends.”

Adult mussels are a D-shaped clam with light and dark bands on their shells, usually no larger than a sunflower seed. These mussels adhere to solid surfaces, including woods and metals.

In Nebraska, Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton, the Missouri River, Offutt Air Force Base Lake, and Beaver Lake have established zebra mussel populations. Nebraska is surrounded by states with widespread zebra mussel infestation, including Kansas, Iowa, South Dakota, and Colorado.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Program conducts boat inspections annually from Memorial Day through Labor Day to prevent invasive species spread. It also routinely monitors select water bodies for zebra mussels in their larval form. Both techniques have been successful, as inspectors have intercepted boats with zebra mussels attached before they launched in waters that were not infested. No new infestations were identified this year.

“The public is our greatest ally against zebra mussels, and we need people to be on the lookout this fall and report sightings when they see them,” Paugels said. “Nebraskans can keep our waters clean and free of harmful invasive species.”

Report any zebra mussel sightings to the Nebraska Game and Parks Aquatic Invasive Species Program at 402-471-7602 or ngpc.ais@nebraska.gov.

More information on zebra mussels and other invasive species can be found at OutdoorNebraska.gov/aquaticinvasivespecies.