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Lake Recreation

Hot Topic: Quagga Mussels, a relative of the Zebra Mussel, were discovered in major waterways connected to the Colorado River in January 2007. These mussels have also been noted in the Central Arizona Project Canals in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. 

Invasive Mussel Species such as the Quagga and Zebra Mussel have been present in the waterways of the US and Canada since the 1980s.  They have proven to be extremely destructive to watercraft as well as hydroelectric power plants.

The spread of these invasives is attributed the transport of watercraft to and from infested to non-infested water. Adult mussels are able to attach to hard surfaces on the boat, launch vehicle or the trailer used to launch the boat.  Their eggs are microscopic and can be concealed in the bilge, live wells or ballast water.  The surfaces of the boat or other apparatuses used for launch can also harbor these microscopic reproduction method.

Current Articles on the Quagga Mussel:

Invasive mussels discovered in central Arizona waters (Arizona Game and Fish)

Boaters Asked to Help Stop Spread of Quagga Mussel, Boating recreation is at risk (California Dept. of Fish and Game)