Quagga/Zebra Mussel Infestation Response Plan
Quagga Mussels attached to the hull of a boat. Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Photo by David Britton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
In January 2007, quagga mussels, a type of invasive mussel related
to zebra mussels were detected in Lakes Mead, Mohave, and Havasu. This
represents the first detection of this species in any United States
waters west of the Rocky Mountains. Lake Mead NRA developed an immediate
and comprehensive response. This invasive organism is known to significantly
alter aquatic ecosystems and impact water-based facilities. The National
Park Service is committed to preventing the spread, slowing the rate
of infestation, and determining treatment options to minimize the threat
posed by this species to currently infested waters.
Please contact us for further information:
John Wullschleger - Water Resources Division 970.225.3572
Linda Drees - Biological Resources Division 970.225.3595
What Are Zebra and Quagga Mussels?
What a Quagga Mussel looks like. (Photo by David Britton, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Zebra and quagga mussels are particularly damaging aquatic invaders. They are dark and light stripped freshwater bivalve mollusks that are native to Eastern Europe and western Asia. Individual mussels grow to a size of about 1.5 inches. They were first discovered in North America in 1988 in Lake St. Clair, one of the water bodies connecting the Great Lakes. It is believed that this invasive species was introduced through ballast water discharges from international shipping. Following their initial invasion, zebra mussels spread quickly across most of the eastern United States and Canada. Zebra mussels are inadvertently transported to new water bodies by recreationally boaters. They can be transport either as adult mussels that are attached to a vessel, or in any part of the vessel that may harbor small amounts of water that can contain larval mussels.
Zebra mussels cause severe economic and ecological damage. Zebra mussels are biofoulers, attaching to most hard surfaces including boats, docks, cables, and water intake structures. They form thick mats that may be up to 18 inches thick. These mats can contain hundreds of thousands of individual mussels. In western Lake Erie, over 700,000 mussels were discovered in one square meter! Ecologically, zebra mussels drastically alter the ecology of infested water bodies and may severely impact sport fisheries. Zebra mussels are filter feeders and each animal filters approximately one liter of water per day, removing algae and small zooplankton from the water column. When this occurs, the algae and zooplankton are no longer available to support higher levels of the food chain. Often, the sport fishery is compromised.
How you can help keep National Parks free of mussels:
If you plan to boat or recreate in infested waters, take care not to spread the mussels. If your vessel has recently been in zebra mussel infested waters (where are infested waters), obtain a boat wash before you launch your vessel in any other lakes. All boaters should get in the good habit of cleaning their boat thoroughly every time they leave any body of water.
When taking boats and equipment out of the water at any lake:
- Drain water from the motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the immediate area of the lake.
- Completely inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
- Remove any vegetation and mud attached to the equipment.
Before driving out of the local community:
- Flush the motor and bilges with hot soapy water.
- Wash the hull, equipment, and any other exposed surface with hot soapy water.
- Clean and wash the trailer, vehicle, and any other equipment that has come in contact with lake water.
When you return home:
- Air-dry the boat and other equipment for at least five days before launching in any other waterway.
- Do not reuse bait once it has been in the water and allow all fishing tackle to air dry for at least 5 days before fishing in other lakes and streams.
- Visit www.100thmeridian.org and www.ProtectYourWaters.net to find more information about zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species.
- Click here to watch a video on how to clean your boat (link to http://www.100thmeridian.org/Video/Clean.asp)
What to do if you find a zebra or quagga mussel?
- Contact a park ranger or call 1-877-STOP-ANS (1-877-786-7267)