Department of Fish and Game

quagga mussels Invasive Species Program

Quagga and Zebra Mussels

plastic pipe covered with quagga musselsdiagram showing where to inspect boat and trailer for quagga musselsquagga mussels at progressive growth stageszebra mussels compared with a dime

clean, drain and dry

Boaters should anticipate inspections at launch ramps around the state. Please note that the Department of Fish and Game is not responsible for these inspections. For information on boating restrictions and inspections please contact the waterbody manager directly. Remember to always CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY.

Calculate your dry time

Incident Description

Quagga mussels were discovered in Lake Mead in Nevada on Jan. 6, 2007, and later throughout Lake Mead’s lower basin. It was the first discovery of either of these mussels west of the Continental Divide. Subsequent surveys found smaller numbers of Quagga mussels in Lakes Mohave and Havasu in the Colorado River, and in the Colorado River Aqueduct System which serves Southern California. Surveys in August found Quagga in Lake Dixon and San Vicente Reservoir in San Diego County. All reservoirs, lakes and watersheds receiving raw Colorado River water have been exposed to Quagga mussels. The first confirmed find of Zebra mussels in California occurred at San Justo Reservoir Jan. 10, 2008. [MORE]

Maps

Training

Guidance Documents

Decontamination, Cleaning & Surveying Protocols

Information Resources

Outreach and Education Materials

To order printed Watch Cards and Posters, e-mail publications@dfg.ca.gov for an initial supply. DFG will provide an electronic file for reproducing additional copies.

Additional Information

Research

External Links