News Release

Voyageurs National Park asks Anglers Assistance in Preventing the Spread of Zebra Mussels

Date: December 10, 2021
Contact: Tawnya Schoewe, 218 283 6670
Contact: Brian Harmon, 218 283 6674

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Voyageurs National Park staff is seeking assistance from anglers to help prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels. Zebra mussel veligers (larvae) were confirmed in Black Bay, Rainy Lake, in July 2021. Zebra mussels have multiple effects on lakes they invade. They alter ecosystems by changing the flow of energy through a system, reducing food available to some fish, and causing extinction of some native mollusks. Zebra mussels also have economic impacts often caused by clogging water intakes and possibly by reducing waterfront property values. Anglers can help prevent the spread from Rainy Lake by cleaning, draining, and drying equipment after ice fishing. To protect other lakes from zebra mussels, Voyageurs National Park asks anglers to do the following after ice fishing on Rainy Lake:

· Inspect ice fishing equipment and remove all aquatic plants and animals before leaving the ice.

· Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. It is illegal to release bait into a water body or release aquatic animals from one waterbody into another.

· Dry all equipment for five days, or rinse with water that is at least 140 degrees F for at least one minute, prior to using the equipment on another water body. Everyone can help us prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Please Clean, Drain, and Dry equipment after ice fishing on Rainy Lake and follow all aquatic invasive species regulations and recommendations.