Non-Native Invasive Species

Quagga/Zebra Mussel

nEWS

DFG NEWS RELEASES Early Detection Monitoring Classes for Quagga/Zebra Mussels offered in Southern California (Apr. 24, 2008) Quagga/Zebra Inspection and Decontamination Training Offered at Don Pedro (Apr. 16, 2008) Zebra Mussels Found in California Reservoir (Jan. 16, 2008) Boaters Asked to Help Stop Spread of Quagga Mussel Boating recreation is at risk (Aug. 31, 2007) Public Asked to Help Halt Spread of Quagga Mussel DFG Opens Toll-Free Information Line (866) 440-9530 (Feb. 1, 2007) Get the Report Invasive Quagga Mussels Identified In California (Jan. 19, 2007)

Information Packet Frequently Asked Questions Fact Sheet What boaters can do to help In the NEWS Ventura County Star Article: "Teen invents 'goo' to thwart quagga mussels" KTVU Video: "Dogs Being Used to Combat Invasive Mussel Problem" KCRA Video: "K-9 Officers Trained to Fight Invasive Species"

Incident Description

Quagga mussels were discovered in Lake Mead January 6, 2007. Mussels of the genus Dreissena (quagga and zebra mussels) are an invasive species native to Russia and Ukraine and are thought to have been transported to the Great Lakes region in the ballast water of transoceanic ships. The invasive Quagga mussel has been positively identified in California, according to the Department of Fish and Game. Quagga mussels were discovered by Metropolitan Water District divers Wednesday, Jan. 17 at Lake Havasu, and again on Friday, Jan 19 about 14 miles to the north.

Photos

     

Maps

• Locations of Quagga and Zebra Mussels in California (JPG)
• Location of Quagga on Lake Mead (1MB PDF)
• Transportation Map (1.7 MB JPG)
• Possible Routes of Introduction (1.2 MB JPG)

Response Plans, Permits and Related Documents

• 2008 - Columbia River Basin Interagency Invasive Species Response Plan: Zebra Mussels and Other Dreissenid Species (PDF)
• 2008 - A calcium-based invasion risk assessment for zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena spp) (PDF)
• 2007 - Quagga/Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention and Response Planning Guide by the National Parks Service (PDF)
• 2007 - California's Response to the Zebra / Quagga Mussel Invasion in the West — Recommendations of the California Science Advisory Panel (1.24 MB PDF)
  • DFG Director's letter announcing report to other state agencies (PDF)
• 2007 - Potential Distribution of Zebra Mussels and Quagga Mussels in California Phase 1 Report
  To request a copy of this document, please email, dnorton@dfg.ca.gov
• 2001 - Zebra Mussel's Calcium Threshold (PDF)
• Diver Decontamination Protocols (PDF)

Public Education Materials

• "Don't Move a Mussel " Poster (PDF)
• Watch Card for Boaters (PDF)

To order printed copies of the publications above, email our Publication Office at publications@dfg.ca.gov.

External Links

• Boat Inspection and Cleaning Procedures For All Water Craft Owners (PDF)
• About the Quagga Mussel
  • USGS Quagga Mussel Info
  • USFWS Quagga Mussel Info (PDF)
• National Park - Lake Mead
• Cleaning Trailered Boats
• Wikipedia Article
• A new invasion: Quagga mussels take over lake
  (good video of quagga mussel on lake bottom)
• Zebra Mussel Watch
• US Fish & Wildlife Invasive Species
• The 100th Meridian Initiative -
  Preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species