Invasive Mussel Found at Lake Mead

Live quagga mussels (a nuisance invasive species closely related to, and commonly referred to as zebra mussels) were discovered in Lake Mead on January 6 at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor marina. In order to not spread the mussel to Lake Mohave and other bodies of water please follow the suggestions below.

Effective ways boaters (including personal watercraft, canoe, and kayak users) and fisherman can ensure that their boats, vehicles, trailers and other equipment do not become the means of infecting other waters:

• Drain the water from your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the immediate area of the lake.    
• Flush the motor and bilges with hot, soapy water or a 5% solution of household bleach.
• Completely inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any visible mussels, but also feel for any rough or gritty spots on the hull.  These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.
• Wash the hull, equipment, bilge and any other exposed surface with hot, soapy water or use a 5% solution of household bleach.
• Clean and wash your trailer, truck or any other equipment that comes in contact with lake water.  Mussels can live in small pockets anywhere water collects.
• Air-dry the boat and other equipment for at least five days before launching in any other waterway.
• Do not reuse bait once it has been exposed to infested waters.

Additional information can be found at the www.protectyourwaters.net and www.100thMeridian.org.

Photo by Mike Fairman

There are many hidden coves to discover by canoe or kayak on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Don't forget to explore the popular Black Canyon in your own canoe or kayak.  Rent a canoe or kayak from the Willow Beach Marina. For reservations please call Willow Beach Marina at (928) 767-4747.