Boaters are the key to preventing the spread of zebra mussels, according to Nebraska Game and Parks.
The agency reports the invasive species are now all along the Missouri River in the state.
Dave Tunink with the Fisheries Division says the mussels attach to anything in the water.

Tunink says boaters also need to take fish out of their live well when leaving a lake or river.
He says it is best to dry out the well, but says you can use vinegar to clean it too.

Tunink says they are focused on trying to prevent zebra mussels from getting to lakes inside Nebraska. The mussels continue to spread in Lewis & Clark Lake, and downstream in the Missouri River.