In a press release issued by Michigan State University on Monday, Michigan Sea Grant confirmed reports of zebra mussels from 255 of Michigan's inland lakes and 17 of the state's streams and rivers in 2009. The number of inland lakes in Michigan infested by zebra mussels has steadily increased during the past decade, with more than 100 lakes being added to the 149 known in 2000.
The worst-hit county in the state has been Oakland County with 51 infested lakes. The three next most impacted counties have been Livingston County with 17, Cass County with 14, and Branch County with 11.
The reports have come in from both amateurs and professionals, including lakefront property owners, other interested citizens, and resource managers. The reports were of colonies of adult mussels attached to hard surfaces, including boats, docks, rocks, dams, and water pumps.
What are zebra mussels?
A small freshwater clam, the zebra mussel has been invading America's rivers and lakes since 1988, when it apparently arrived in the ballast water of a freighter from Europe. The first infestation was reported from Lake St. Clair, then the Detroit River, and Lake Erie. It and its relative the quagga mussel have since spread to 26 states, including California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Texas. In the process, the mollusk has upset ecosystems, threatened native wildlifen and damaged structures.
According to the University of Maryland, the estimated impact of zebra mussels on industries, businesses, and communities has more than $5 billion. Since 1993, the mollusk has cost the power industry $3.1 billion. The U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that the cost of controlling zebra mussels in the Great Lakes region may soon reach $5 billion annually. As part of this effort, the State of Michigan alone spends millions each year to slow the spread of zebra mussels.
How can boaters help prevent the spread of zebra mussels?
"Boaters can be especially helpful in slowing the spread of the pesky mollusk and preventing damage to their equipment," said Jo Latimore, a specialist in the Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, who coordinates the Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership and Michigan's Clean Boats, Clean Waters program. In the Michigan State University press release, Latimore provided the following instructions to boaters who are moving their boats from one body of water to another.
• Inspect and remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting recreational equipment.
• Drain water from equipment (boat, motor, trailer and live wells) before transporting it.
• Dry equipment for at least five days.
• Dispose of unwanted live bait in the trash.
• Know the Law: Michigan law prohibits possessing or transporting any live transgenic (genetically engineered) organisms, several live nonnative fish and many nonnative aquatic plants, including entire plants, fragments and seeds, as well as hybrids and genetically engineered variants. For a list of these species, read the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Handbook (PDF). Michigan law now also prohibits placing a boat in state waters if it has an aquatic plant attached (exceptions are made for wild rice).
Rochelle Sturtevant, outreach specialist for the Great Lakes Regional Sea Grant, elaborated, "If you find what you think is a zebra mussel in a lake or stream that is not already on the list of infested lakes, note the date and the precise location where you found it, store it in rubbing alcohol and take a picture of it (several, if possible). Then contact the Michigan Sea Grant Extension educator nearest you."
Michigan Sea Grant
The Michigan Sea Grant is a cooperative program between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. It is part of the National Sea Grant College Program, a network of more than 30 university-based programs in coastal states across the country administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Comments
When I was swimming in Torch Lake this summer, I found a zebra mussel attached to a large stone there. And walking around Lake Michigan last year, I saw them all along the shoreline. Their presence in the lake has allowed large blooms of algae. There was one stretch south of Manitowoc, WI, where a thick mat of algae stretched out into the lake 20-30 feet at times. Horrible.
laketrek.blogspot.com
With evidence that the voracious Asian carp and quagga mussels are threatening the Great Lakes and that the contagious fish disease VHS, or viral hemorrhagic septicemia, is now in waters as far north and west as Lake Superior, fishing and boating enthusiasts might be concerned that their favorite spots may be ruined. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) notes that prime waters can still be protected by the people who use them, particularly small bodies of water, streams and rivers where diseases and destructive invaders have not been detected.
APHIS offers a list of surprisingly simple steps to be taken to preserve our waters for generations to come:
1. Thoroughly clean and dry all fishing and boating equipment including bait buckets, boots, boats, and trailers with HOT water.
2. Empty all water from equipment including buckets and bilges.
3. Remove all visible mud, plants and aquatic life from equipment before transporting.
4. Do not move fish and plants from one body of water to another.
5. Buy bait from certified bait dealers and dispose of unused bait in a secure trash area away from the water.
For more information, visit http://www.FocusOnFishHealth.org . You can also submit photos of your favorite fishing and boating memories to win a prize
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