Aquatic Invasive Species
Prevention Program

“AIS” stands for aquatic invasive species. AIS are various species of nonnative plants and animals that have the potential to cause economic and/or ecosystem disruption. For example, quagga mussels, native to the Ukraine and unknowingly introduced into the U.S., are AIS that causes major clogging of water system pipes for irrigation, hydropower, drinking water supplies and can even clog up boat engines. Quagga mussels also disrupt food sources and habitat utilized by our fish.

The AIS decal is required to be purchased and displayed on all watercraft capable of retaining water that utilize Nevada waters. Watercrafts required to display a decal include all motorized watercraft and many types of non-motorized watercraft. For example, canoes, kayaks, and non-motorized sailboats are required to purchase and display the decal. Watercraft not required to purchase the decal include float tubes, paddleboards, inner tubes and water toys. For specific examples, click on the links below:

AIS Decal – 1 per watercraft. Nontransferable and includes processing fee.

• Non-Motorized – $6
• Motorized Watercraft – $13

The AIS decal requirement was established to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic species threatening Nevada’s waterways, support AIS monitoring and analysis, provide AIS prevention through outreach and education, provide seasonal watercraft inspection and decontamination stations, and support enforcement of AIS prevention laws.

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission’s AIS Program maintains a map which identifies the location and basic information about all watercraft inspection and decontamination stations throughout the west. The map can be found here.

Yes, if you utilize waters of the State of Nevada, you are currently required to purchase and display the decal. The requirement includes both out-of-state and in-state watercrafts.

Effective May 24, 2013, Arizona registered vessels are exempt from the purchase of Nevada’s AIS decal for the interstate waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and the lower Colorado River.

Effective May 24, 2013, California registered vessels are exempt from the purchase of Nevada’s AIS decal for the interstate waters of Lake Tahoe and Topaz Lake.

These exemptions apply only to registered vessels and on the specific waterbody listed above. The exemptions do not apply to non-registered vessels such as canoes, kayaks and other paddle craft vessels that are capable of retaining water.

Yes, if you utilize waters of the State of Nevada, you are required to purchase and display a Nevada AIS decal. California registered watercrafts are not required to purchase the NV AIS decal when utilizing the interstate waters of Lake Tahoe or Topaz Lake. Paddle craft such as canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft are required to display the NV AIS Decal.

The Tahoe AIS Program, operated under the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Nevada AIS Program operate under different authorities.

For additional information on Lake Tahoe’s boat inspections and programs, visit www.TahoeBoatInspections.com

If you cross over an interstate water into Nevada, even for a short period, you are required to purchase and display a Nevada AIS decal. Exceptions to the decal requirement for Arizona and California registered watercrafts are provided above.

Most large watercrafts have GPS units available, however, if one is not available, it is suggested that either you purchase the Nevada AIS decal or have a general idea, utilizing maps, where the border exists.

Contaminated watercrafts are one of the most common sources of new introductions of AIS. Many harmful aquatic invasive species are capable of attaching to watercrafts and trailers. Watercraft users are, at times, not aware they are carrying AIS as many young forms of invasives are not visible to the naked eye. Watercraft owners can unknowingly transfer these harmful species from one waterbody to another. To help prevent the spread, it’s vital that all watercraft owners always clean, drain and dry their watercraft when exiting a waterbody.

No, the AIS decal shows that you have met the statutory requirement of the State of Nevada. To be considered quagga or zebra mussel free, your watercraft would need to be professionally inspected for AIS.

Whether you’re a boater, paddler, swimmer, angler or working in the water, when exiting a lake, reservoir, river or stream, always clean, drain and dry your watercraft and equipment. It’s your responsibility to help keep Nevada waters aquatic invasive free.

• Clean: by removing all mud, plants and animals from every part of your boat trailer and equipment.
• Drain: by pulling the plug on your watercraft when you exit the water and eliminate all water from equipment and boats including livewells, ballast, hull and engine cooling water.
• Dry: by allowing your boat and equipment to thoroughly dry before you launch into another body of water. The amount of time required varies depending on humidity and temperature. In the hot summer months, your dry time should be at least 5-7 days – during the fall and winter your dry times should be at least 27 days.

Yes, it is a violation of Nevada State Law to transport aquatic invasive species, including quagga mussels. NDOW’s Game Wardens have the authority to detain watercrafts that are in violation.

AIS have the potential to cause major economic and ecological harm to Nevada waters. Native species and food webs can be devastated and major economic harm can be created from biofouling organisms that clog drinking water supplies, hydroelectric generation and irrigation systems.

• Arizona
• California
• Idaho
• Lake Tahoe
• Oregon
• Utah