Quagga and zebra mussels
This is an aquatic invasive species of big concern
Quagga and zebra mussels came to the U.S. two decades ago in
ballast water from the Baltic Sea. These shellfish reproduce rapidly,
and are easily spread on the hulls of boats. The mussels clog
waterlines and foul boats and docks. Quagga mussels are now
well-established in Lake Mead, Nevada. If Idaho is infested, state
officials estimate the damage will cost more than $94 million.
To prevent this from happening, the Idaho Conservation League:
- Lobbied for legislation to outlaw the import or export of invasive species and to establish the authority of the state to conduct boat inspections and require decontamination, if necessary
- Supported legislation to require boat stickers as a means of generating revenue to fund prevention, inspection and decontamination
- Participated in rulemaking for inspection and decontamination stations to make sure only clean boats enter Idaho waters
- Supports prevention efforts in individual communities through education and plans to acquire and staff high-powered, hot water boat wash stations
