ZEBRA MUSSEL ALERT!
Zebra mussels have been found in Bull Shoals Lake and in Lake Taneycomo!

What is a Zebra Mussel?
The zebra mussel is a black and white striped mollusk native to Europe but introduced into North American waters in 1988.  This barnacle-like mussel is the only freshwater mollusk that can firmly attach itself to solid objects.

Where do Zebra Mussels occur?
Zebra mussels were introduced into North American water through the release of ballast water from European ships.  Since their discovery in the Great Lakes region in 1988, the mussels have spread through the Ohio, Mississippi, and Tennessee river drainages.  In the first two years, the zebra mussel spread over a 10,000 square mile area.  In Arkansas, zebra mussels have been discovered in several areas of the Arkansas River, and in the lower White River.  They may have spread elsewhere as well.  Their introduction into the state threatens industries, municipalities and the aquatic resources of Arkansas.

Why are Zebra Mussels a serious threat?
Zebra mussels disrupt the aquatic food chain by consuming tremendous amounts of plankton.  This, in turn, could affect the amount of food available for sport fish.  In the same fashion, they severely impact populations of native mussels, including commercial and endangered species as well as crayfish and other aquatic life.  Zebra mussels clog industrial and public drinking water intakes as well as boat engine cooling systems.  They also encrust boat hulls.  Now that zebra mussels are in the Arkansas River, they could quickly infest the state's recreational rivers and lakes.

This pile of zebra mussels was removed from the Number 7 lock and dam along the Mississippi River. Although the pile appears quite large, it represents only a small fraction of the zebra mussel population infecting America's waterways.

How are Zebra Mussels spread?
Zebra mussels can survive out of the water in moist, shaded areas for several days.  Mussel larvae can be carried in boat bilge water, live wells, bait buckets and engine cooling systems.  Juvenile and adult mussels attach to boat hulls, engine drive units, and boat trailers.  These zebra mussels or their larvae can be inadvertently transported from area to area by anglers, hunters, and recreational boaters.

What can be done to slow or stop the spread?
Take precautions when boating in the state and particularly waters known to be infested.

• Thoroughly inspect your boat hull for zebra mussels after each outing.  If you see any mussels, scrape them off and dispose of them in a garbage can.
• Completely drain the live well, bilgewater, and all bait buckets in an area where runoff will not reach another body of water.
• If you have been boating in infested waters, the best precaution is to let your boat dry in the sun for 7 to 10 days before launching it in uninfested waters.

If sun-drying your boat is impractical, wash boat hulls, outdrives, trailer frames, anchors, ropes and other boat parts which contact the water.  Use HOT (140º F) water, a 10% solution of household chlorine bleach or a hot saltwater method while at the boat ramp.  Check with your engine's manufacturer before using a chlorine or salt solution in the cooling system.

What do Zebra Mussels look like?
Zebra mussels look like small clams with a yellowish or brownish D-shaped shell, usually with alternating dark and light colored stripes, hence, the name zebra.  They can be up to two inches long, but most are under one inch.  Zebra mussels usually grow in clusters and are generally found in shallow (6 - 30 feet), algae-rich water.

What do I do if I see a Zebra Mussel?

• Try to get a sample.
• Record the location.
• Call the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.
  

District Contacts:

In Benton, Washington, Carroll, or Madison Counties - Ralph Fourt 479-631-6005.

In Crawford, Sebastian, Scott, Franklin, Logan, Johnson, Newton, Yell, and Pope Counties - Robert Limbird 501-967-7577.

In Boone, Independence, Marion, Baxter, Searcy, Stone and Izard Counties - Mark Oliver 870-425-7577.

For more information, contact:
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas  72205. 
Or call:  (501)  223-6300

SOURCE: This information is quoted from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission's pamphlet Zebra Mussel Alert . 

This page was last updated on February 5, 2007
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