Contact(s): ?ĮSusan Ellis, DFG Invasive Species Coordinator, (916) 653-8983

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) warns boaters to guard against transporting the invasive Quagga mussel into California aboard their vessels this Memorial Day. For many, the busy three-day weekend opens the boating season, and DFG and other state departments have stepped up efforts to protect against the devastating non-native species.

"The surge in weekend boating traffic heightens our alert to guard against this invasive aquatic species," said Susan Ellis, DFG's invasive species coordinator. "If the Quagga mussel establishes itself in California the environmental and economic impact would be huge. Our efforts give California its best chance to block the spread of Quaggas through border checkpoints and the voluntary compliance of the state's boating public."

In early January, Nevada state officials discovered a wide spread infestation of Quagga mussels in Lake Mead. The reservoir serves as one of the primary recreational destinations for California boaters. Concerns developed immediately that the mussels could attach to the hull of watercraft, or survive in the craft's ballast water, and move from Nevada to California. DFG formed a multi-agency taskforce to determine whether the mussels had established in California. Searchers found mussels in the Colorado River, Lake Havasu, and the Colorado Aqueduct. Taskforce members included DFG, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Department of Water Resources, Department of Boating and Waterways, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

Traditionally, the Memorial Day weekend marks increased recreational boating activity throughout the state. Because eradication of an established population of Quagga is extremely difficult and costly, DFG's strategy remains to block entrance into California. Inspectors anticipate thousands of vehicles with boat trailers traveling through the check stations over the three-day weekend and ask motorists for patience during inspections.

To speed the process, DFG urges all boaters to follow these key suggestions as they leave the water:

?Ģ Inspect all exposed surfaces - Quagga mussels will feel like sandpaper to the touch.

?Ģ Thoroughly wash the hull of each watercraft once it is out of the water, removing all plants and animal material.

?Ģ Drain any water through the vessel's hull plug, and ensure the area is dry.

?Ģ Ensure the vessel's lower outboard unit is drained and dry.

?Ģ Clean and dry any live-well aboard the vessel.

?Ģ Empty and dry any buckets.

?Ģ Any vessel traveling from Lake Mead or the Colorado River should remain dry and out of water for five days.

?Ģ Dispose of all bait in the trash.

Check stations at Yermo, Needles and Vidal Junction are operated continuously by DFG and CDFA. Any driver towing a watercraft is directed to the side, where the vehicle, the trailer and the watercraft are inspected. Inspectors have checked more than 15,000 boats since January, and have found 675 boats that contained water that was then drained. Inspectors also found and cleaned seven boats that carried adult Quaggas.

The Quagga, like its closely related cousin the Zebra mussel, is an invasive aquatic species that grows to about an inch in diameter. The small, freshwater bivalve mollusk is triangular with a ridge between the side and bottom. It has black, cream, or white bands, and often features dark rings on its shell almost like stripes.

Mussels from Lake Mead were sent to the University of Texas, Arlington, and examination indicates that they may have been in the lake as long as four years. Lake Mohave, which separates Nevada and Arizona, is also infested, but preliminary results suggest a relatively sparse population.

Although Quagga mussels range from microscopic to the size of a fingernail, they are prolific and attach themselves to any hard surface. In the Great Lakes area, Quagga mussels have covered everything from boat engines and steering equipment to water transport facilities. They wreak havoc with the environment, disrupting the natural food chain and releasing toxins that affect other species. Spread of the Quagga could result in millions of dollars in damage to water transport facilities.

A public toll-free number, 1-866-440-9530, has been established for boaters and anyone involved with activities on lakes and rivers that seek information about the invasive mussels. The toll-free number is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the Quagga mussel response, visit the DFG Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/quaggamussel.