NDOW presents the Nevada Wild Podcast · Nevada Department of Wildlife

Nevada's Aquatic Invasive Species Program

·29 min·2 clips

Kevin Netcher reveals his journey from hatchery work to leading Nevada's Aquatic Invasive Species Program.

This episode of Nevada Wild focuses on Nevada's Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program, its challenges, and its operations. Hosts Ashley Sanchez and Aaron Keller interview Kevin Netcher, NDOW's AIS Program Coordinator, about his background and the program's critical work. Kevin Netcher has been with the Nevada Department of Wildlife since 2012, previously serving in roles at Gallagher Hatchery and as a fisheries biologist. The discussion covers the primary mission of preventing the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels into Nevada's water bodies. Netcher explains the program's inspection stations, like the one at Lake Mead, which check watercraft for contamination. He details the "Clean, Drain, Dry" protocol that boaters must follow to decontaminate their vessels. The conversation mentions specific problematic locations, including the Colorado River system downstream of Lake Powell. Netcher describes the biology of these mussels, noting a single female can produce up to one million eggs per year. He highlights the severe ecological and economic damage caused by mussel infestations, which can clog water infrastructure and outcompete native species. The program also monitors for other invasive species, such as New Zealand mudsnails and various aquatic plants. A surprising insight is that a major pathway for invasion is via small, trailered watercraft moving between infected and clean waters. Netcher reveals that inspection stations sometimes find mussels on boats coming from as far away as the Great Lakes region. The program employs a risk-based inspection system, prioritizing watercraft based on their last launch location and visible conditions. The hosts learn that decontamination involves using high-pressure hot water, typically at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill mussels. Netcher emphasizes that even kayaks and paddleboards can transport invasive species if not properly cleaned. He notes the collaborative nature of the work, involving multiple state and federal agencies across the Western U.S. The tone is educational and conversational, with the hosts asking clarifying questions to unpack technical details for a general audience. The style is interview-based, friendly, and focused on practical public information. This episode would appeal to Nevada boaters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in local conservation efforts and environmental protection. Listeners seeking highly dramatic narrative storytelling or debates on environmental policy might find other episodes more aligned with their interests.

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