For Immediate Release

Date: May 27, 2004

Zebra Mussels Too Close For Comfort

Zebra mussels, a much-feared non-native shellfish that has invaded Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds, continue to knock on Oregon's door. Oregon State Marine Board officials are asking boaters to be vigilant about these damaging creatures.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recently stopped a large boat at the Washington-Idaho border that was being trailered cross-country by commercial vehicle. The boat harbored live zebra mussels and was ordered sterilized. Despite the discovery, WDFW officials are concerned that zebra mussels could be slipping in on smaller boats that are not required to stop at highway weigh stations.

"We have potentially the same problem here in Oregon. Boats are a known transporter of zebra mussels," says Randy Henry, information representative for the Oregon State Marine Board. "Oregon boaters who trailer their boats to infested waters east of the Rocky Mountains, or out-of-state boaters visiting Oregon, are one concern. But brokers carrying boats to Oregon for sale or show are another."

Zebra mussels spread by attaching to boats and other water-based recreational equipment. They are fingernail-size freshwater mollusks native to the Black, Caspian and Aral Seas. They were first introduced to the Great Lakes in 1986 in the ballast water of transoceanic ships. They can spread quickly, altering entire ecosystems of some waters by smothering native shellfish and consuming food sources of other fish and wildlife.

The mussels have also cost industry, government and private citizens millions of dollars by clogging water intake pipes used for irrigation and municipal water supplies and damaging boat engines.

Zebra mussels are now found in at least 22 states and two Canadian provinces east of the continental divide. Federal agencies and private organizations across the U.S. have formed partnerships to educate the public about the problem with the goal of preventing further spread. One message from the group: It is violation to transport noxious aquatic weeds and prohibited species, like zebra mussels.

"We simply ask that people take reasonable steps to keep their boats clean and free of any plant or animal material," says Henry. "Zebra mussels aren't the only nuisance species we are worried about. Several aquatic plants, such as hydrilla, are also transported by boats and pose a serious risk to our waterways. The steps to preventing their spread are easy."

Before launching and before leaving a waterbody:

• Remove aquatic plants from boat, motor and trailer. Check all underwater fittings and equipment. Put plants in trash if possible.
• Drain lake or river water from your equipment including the motor, bilges, live wells, bait buckets, and coolers.
• Dispose of unwanted live bait on shore or in trash.
• Rinse boat and equipment with high pressure or hot water, especially if moored for more than a day, or dry everything for at least 5 days.
• To report a siting or concern, call the Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-INVADER.

"We also want people to keep their eyes open," said Henry. "If you see another boat with what may be zebra mussels attached to the craft, let the operator know. If you can't locate them, call a local marine officer who can. Zebra mussels are one visitor Oregon absolutely does not want to stay."

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