Aquatic Invasive Species
Don't Move a Mussel!
Invasive mussels are in Nevada! Quagga mussels have been found in Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and more recently in Lahontan Reservoir and Rye Patch Reservoir. Mud, plants and animals that may be lurking on your watercraft, trailer, vehicle, or on other recreational equipment will cause the spread of invasive mussels. Invasive mussels cause millions of dollars of damage to boat and water systems by clogging pipes and engines. They also impact the native ecosystem and sport fisheries.
Quagga and Zebra Mussels
Quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) and zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are freshwater mollusks that typically have a zebra-like pattern on their shells. They are alien to North America. Quagga mussels have spread throughout the Great Lakes, the Ohio River Basin and the Mississippi River Basin. Colonies have been discovered as far west as Oklahoma.
The potential for quagga mussels to spread to Western states is very high. They can spread to other inland waters either in their immature form transported in water hidden in live-wells, bilge, and motors or as adults attached to boat hulls, engines, aquatic weeds, or other surfaces.
Since quagga mussels spread to Lake Mead and Lake Mohave they will potentially cost millions of dollars by clogging engines and encrusting boats and facilities, disrupting the food chain, disrupting sport fishing, and littering beaches with sharp smelly shells.
Aquatic Invasive Species Information Resource Links
- US Fish and WIldlife Service - What are Invasive Species?
- ANS Task Force
- Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
- How to Clean, Drain and Dry your boat
- Impacts of Invasive Species