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Zebra and Quagga Mussels
---------------------------------------------------Infested waters of the West
Zebra and quagga mussels are native to the Black and Caspian Seas and were introduced to North America’s Great Lakes in ballast water from Russia in the late 1980s. Both species of mussel can wreak havoc when introduced to a new environment by disrupting the natural food chain and crowding out native species.
They were first detected in the western United States in January 2007 in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. They have since spread throughout the Colorado River system and are now found in several other western states.
The mussels can colonize on hulls, engines and steering components of boats, other recreational equipment, and can damage boat motors and restrict cooling. These mussels also attach to aquatic plants, submerged sediment, and surfaces such as piers, pilings, water intakes, and fish screens.
Zebra and quagga mussels have not been found in Idaho waters to date. To protect Idaho, ISDA was set up a watercraft inspection station program, focusing on inspecting boats from impacted states as they come across the state line.
If you have launched in mussel infested water in the last 30 days, you must have a watercraft inspection before you launch in Idaho.
Use this checklist every time you exit a water body.
----CLEAN - Any visible mud, plants or animals from your boat.
----DRAIN - All water, including from the lower outboard unit, ballast, livewell, ect.
----DRY - All areas of your boat and equipment.
Call 877-336-8676 to schedule a (FREE) inspection.
The Idaho Invasive Species Strategic Plan 2012-2016
2010 Idaho Invasive Species Summary Report
List of Quagga Mussel infested waters outside the Great Lakes
Current map of mussel infested waters
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Watch an Informative Video on Quagga Mussels
IISF program related questions should be directed to the Idaho Department of Agriculture. 1-877-336-8676
__Quagga mussel infestation in Utah__________
Idaho Invasive Species Council
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The Idaho Invasive Species Council is a multi-agency
organization that provides direction and planning for combating invasive species throughout the state and for preventing the introduction of other species that may be potentially harmful. The Director of ISDA chairs the Idaho Invasive Species Council.
Membership includes state and federal entities, local government organizations, tribal governments, Idaho universities and private and not-for-profit organizations with an interest in invasive species