California’s waterways currently face an enormous challenge: an invasion by Quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) and Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). They infest water bodies in Riverside, San Diego, Imperial and Orange counties. The spread of these mussels to additional California waters will seriously impact the state’s aquatic environment and water delivery systems, endangering recreational boating and fishing. State law prohibits the transport of mussels (into and within the state), and may fine commercial haulers up to $1,000.

Quagga/Zebra mussels vary in color and often have dark and light stripes on their shells. They differ in size, from microscopic young to adults that range an inch or two in length. These invasive mussels cluster in huge colonies. Whenever a move involves transporting any watercraft, take the following actions:

1. Remove the boat from the water and away from the launch ramp for vessel inspection and cleaning. 2. Thoroughly inspect all exposed surfaces on the vessel and trailer. If you find any mussels, scrape them off and kill them by crushing them. Dispose of the remains in the trash. Alert the Department of Fish and Game at 866-440-9530. 3. Remove all plants and mud from the boat, trailer, and all equipment. Dispose of all material in the trash. 4. Carefully feel the boat’s hull for any rough or gritty spots, which may be young mussels that have settled on the vessel and cannot be seen. Microscopic Quagga/Zebra mussels will feel like sandpaper. 5. Away from the waterway, wash the boat’s hull, trailer, equipment, bilge, and any other exposed surfaces with high-pressure, hot water. When possible use water at a temperature of 140° F (60° C) at the hull – or about 155° (68° C) at the nozzle – which will kill the mussels. Dry the boat as much as possible. 6. Drain all water from the boat (pull all plugs) and dry all areas, including the motor, motor cooling system, live wells, ballast tanks, bladders, bilges, and lower outboard units. Make sure that all life jackets, water skis or other items that have been in the water, including anchors, ropes, etc., are inspected, cleaned, and dried. 7. Empty and dry all buckets and dispose of all bait in trash receptacles before you leave. Do not take bait home, or leave it on the ground or dump it in any waterway. 8. Thoroughly clean all fishing and recreational equipment (fishing nets, etc). 9. Clean and dry personal belongings, clothing, and footwear that have come in contact with the water. 10. Keep watercraft dry for at least five days in warm, dry weather and up to 30 days in cool, moist weather before launching into a freshwater.

Day boats or those that “come and go” and spend only a few hours in the water are still at risk for picking up and transporting mussels that may be attached to aquatic weeds. The basic cleaning steps apply.

For more information, please call the CMSA office at (562) 865-2900.

Source: CA Department of Fish and Game