Help stop spread of zebra mussels

Oklahoma boaters are being urged to take precautions against an invasive species of zebra mussel spreading through waterways.

First introduced to the Great Lakes in 1986 via ballast water from transoceanic vessels, the zebra mussel can reproduce quickly and lacks a natural predator. They can colonize new bodies of water at an alarming rate.

Now, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) has confirmed their presence in at least 14 bodies of water in the state. These include major reservoirs such as Grand Lake and Lake Eufaula, as well as smaller lakes and rivers across Oklahoma.

Zebra mussels are filter-feeders that can drastically alter water chemistry and clarity, leading to severe algal blooms and reduced food availability for native species. Their sharp shells can injure swimmers and damage boats, while their tendency to cluster in large numbers can clog water intake pipes, disrupting power plants and public water systems.

The primary vector for zebra mussel spread is trailered boats. An ODWC aquatic nuisance species coordinator warns, “A single female zebra mussel can release up to one million eggs each season. Transporting just one mussel can spell trouble for previously unaffected waters.”

To combat the spread of zebra mussels, boaters and anglers are advised to follow these steps:

• Inspect boats and equipment for attached mussels after each use.

• Remove all visible mussels and dispose of them in the trash.

• Drain all water from bilges, live wells and bait buckets before leaving the area.

• Wash and scrub boats and equipment thoroughly, paying special attention to crevices and hidden areas.

• Allow boats and equipment to dry completely for at least a week before entering another waterway.

For heavily infested areas, additional measures may be necessary. The ODWC recommends using a high-pressure sprayer with hot water (140 degrees) or a 10-percent bleach solution to clean boats and equipment.

While complete eradication of zebra mussels is unlikely once they’re established, these measures can help mitigate the rate at which they spread. The ODWC emphasizes that public awareness and cooperation are crucial in protecting Oklahoma’s aquatic resources.

That means our duty is to be vigilant, clean our equipment and help stop the spread of zebra mussels. The future health of the state’s lakes and rivers depends on it.

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John Kilgore is the former Greenleaf State Park manager. He can be reached by emailing him at jkilgoreoutdoors@yahoo.com.