Quagga mussel

(Dreissena rostriformis bugensis)

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​Quagga mussels are a non-native freshwater mussel that attach to hard and soft surfaces. They spread rapidly and clog pipes that deliver water for drinking, energy, agriculture, recreation, and a variety of other uses. They also can negatively affect fish populations and wildlife habitat.​

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If left to spread untreated, they form dense colonies that damage and hinder infrastructure so severely it would cost hundreds of millions of dollars in actual and indirect costs. 

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Zebra mussel

(Dreissena polymorpha)

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​​Native to the lakes of southeast Russia including the Black and Caspian Seas, it gets its common name from the zebra-type striping on the shells. They are small and typically grow to the size of a fingernail. As a small freshwater mussel, it competes with native species and can cause damage to infrastructure and form dense colonies. 

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Both types of mussels spread when boats are not typically cleaned and dried adequately and contaminated watercraft are moved to where the mussels can be introduced. They can survive 3-5 days out of water. Please clean, drain and dry your motorized or non-motorized watercraft.