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Zebra Mussel Alert

The barnacle-like zebra mussel poses a multibillion-dollar threat to North America's industrial, agricultural and municipal water supplies, and it could become a costly nuisance for freshwater shipping, boating, fishing and clamming as well.  First found in 1988 in the Great Lakes, this invader could become more widespread than the German carp and cause far more economic damage than the Mediterranean fruit fly.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN REPORTING ZEBRA MUSSEL SIGHTINGS AT NEW LOCATIONS IS ESSENTIAL TO HELP PREVENT ITS SPREAD TO OTHER LAKES AND RIVERS!

How to Identify
Zebra mussels look like small clams with a yellowish or brownish "D"-shaped shell, usually with dark and light-colored stripes (hence the name "zebra").
They can be up to two inches long, but most are under an inch. Zebra mussels usually grow in clusters containing numerous individuals (see photo) and are generally found in shallow (6-30 feet), algae-rich water.
Zebra mussels are the ONLY freshwater mollusc that can firmly attach itself to solid objects submerged rocks, dock pilings, boat hulls, water intake pipes.

What to Do
Note the date and precise locations where the mussel or its shells were found.
Take the mussel with you (several, if possible) and store in rubbing alcohol (in any case, DON'T throw it back in the water); and

IMMEDIATELY call the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Exotic Species Program in St. Paul at 1-800-766-6000 or (612) 296-2835, a local DNR fishery office, or Minnesota Sea Grant Extension in Duluth (218)726-8712.

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