Zebra Mussel is a highly invasive aquatic species that multiplies rapidly. This bivalve mollusk, is currently found in 29 U.S. states including several lakes and Arkansas River in Oklahoma and Lake Texoma in North Texas. Invasive zebra mussels have been confirmed to have spread from Lake Texoma into the head waters of Lake Lavon. Experts are concerned that they could eventually spread throughout the Red River and Trinity River watersheds including lakes in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas through transporting boats and interconnection of water supply pipelines between reservoirs.

The zebra mussel; can grow up to 2" (5 cm) but is ordinarily about as big as your fingernail, commonly has altering dark and light stripes, produces young that are too small to see but can be felt on your boat and found in plants that get tangled on your propeller and trailer. As it grows larger, can be seen attached, usually in clusters, to hard surfaces like water pipes and boats, can be found hiding in bilges, live wells and motors. Veliger larvae are very small, difficult to see and migrate to other areas by several means. Zebra mussel photos available at the links below.

ACTION: Boaters and anglers can help slow the spread of zebra mussels from one water body to another by practicing the following steps when leaving any water suspected of having zebra mussels. Basically it is a combination of: Drain, Dry, Clean and Store.

• Drain all water from the boat including such things as the engine, bilge, livewells and bait buckets before leaving the lake.
• Inspect the boat and trailer and remove any zebra mussels, vegetation or foreign objects that are found. Zebra mussels may feel like grit on the surface-- scrape them off, but do not return them to the water.
• If the boat will be put into another body of water within a week, wash boat parts, accessories, the bilge, live well, pumping system, and bait buckets with a high-pressure sprayer. Hot water, 140 degrees F, will kill zebra mussel veligers. A 10 percent solution of household chlorine bleach and water can be used to wash the boat and/or live wells. Do not wash the boat at ramps where the solutions could drain into the lake.
• Open all compartments and livewells and allow the boat and trailer to dry for a week before entering another water body.

Caution: Transporting zebra mussels such as on boat trailers, boats and boat lifts may subject involved persons to state violations and fines.

Preventative Operations and Maintenance Measures

• Frequent boat use is one of the better preventative measures. Seldom used boats are encountering increased zebra mussel attachments on underwater boat drive gear, rudders, trim tabs and hulls. Consult service personnel for the latest zebra boat protection methods and technology.
• Remove boat from water and conduct visual inspection and zebra mussel removal based upon frequency of use and level of zebra mussel attachments in your area of the lake.

Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation: http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/mussel.htm

TX Parks & Wildlife Dept: http://www.texasinvasives.org/action/report_detail.php?alert_id=2