PAGE, Ariz. -- The recent discovery of 14 adult quagga mussels at Lake Powell is a crucial reminder to
boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats after every use to help prevent the
spread of these destructive invasive species.
According to a March 27 National Park Service (NPS) mussel monitoring update,
the NPS identified 14 adult quagga mussels attached
to moored vessels and dock structures at the Wahweap
Marina in Lake Powell over the last week. None of the adult mussels were close
enough together to mate for successful reproduction. All of the mussels were
physically removed from the lake.
"At this point, these monitoring results aren't evidence of an
established, reproducing population of mussels," says Tom McMahon,
invasive species program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
"NPS dive teams are continuing to check boats, docks and cables, and
biologists are continuing to gather and assess information. In the meantime,
boaters need to remember to clean, drain and dry their boat and equipment after
every use."
According to the NPS mussel monitoring update, the first four mussels were
found when a local marine service business noticed the small shells on a boat
that had been pulled for maintenance and then notified the NPS.
"We really appreciate the report of this finding since it will help in the
removal of the adult mussels before they can reproduce," said Mark
Anderson, Glen Canyon ecologist, in the news release. "It's likely that
the mussels were introduced via ballast or bilge water from a boat(s) that was
not cleaned, drained, or dried."
Additional monitoring information and updates are posted on the Glen Canyon
National Recreation Area webpage at www.nps.gov/glca.
McMahon emphasized that, under Arizona law, boaters who take their boats out of
waters designated as having aquatic invasive species (this includes Lake
Pleasant, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu) must take the following steps
when leaving:
CLEAN. Clean/remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from
the anchor, boat, motor, and trailer.
DRAIN. Remove the plug and drain the water from the bilge, live-well and any
other compartments that could hold water. Drain the water from the engine and
engine cooling system(s).
DRY. Ensure the watercraft, vehicle, equipment, or conveyance are allowed to
dry completely.
If you are using your boat again in less than five days from the previous use,
replace the bilge drain plug and disinfect the bilge by pouring in not less
than one gallon of vinegar; the vinegar can be drained from the bilge upon
arrival at home (vinegar can be reused several times).
If you're taking your boat out of a lake where it has been moored more than
five days, refer to the boat cleaning protocols for long-term users (view boat
cleaning protocols in Director's Order #3).
Quagga mussels colonize rapidly on hard surfaces and can ruin boat motors and
clog water intake structures, such as pipes and screens, thereby impacting
pumping capabilities for power and water treatment plants.
For more information on quagga mussels and other
aquatic invasive species, including links to the Director's Orders that list
the species, the Arizona waters that have them, and the boat transport
protocols from those waters, visit www.azgfd.gov/ais.
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The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of
race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and
activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any
of the AGFD's programs or activities, including employment practices, they may
file a complaint with the Director's Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix,
AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N.
Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may
request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by
contacting the Director's Office as listed above.
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