Anglers urged to help stop spread of quagga mussels

Presence of invasive species confirmed at Lake Havasu

Quagga mussels, like the zebra mussel pictured here, constitute an invasive species that can easily spread from one fishery to the next.

January 22, 2007 • Chris Jones • Archives

Dear Anglers:

Recently the Arizona Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of quagga mussels in Lake Havasu. Like zebra mussels, this invasive species can survive in a few inches of water in the bilge or livewell of a boat and it is of grave concern to FLW Outdoors.

The juvenile form of this mussel is microscopic, so anglers should not rely on visual inspections of their equipment to determine if quagga mussels are present. FLW Outdoors requests that all competitors fishing the Wal-Mart FLW Series National Guard Western Division tournament at Lake Havasu Jan. 31-Feb. 3 take the following precautions to help stop the spread of this invasive species:

Prior to launching at Lake Havasu for practice or competition:

• Completely inspect your boat and trailer, removing any visible mussels, and feeling for rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.

• Flush your outboard motor, bilge and livewells with hot, soapy water or a five-percent solution of household bleach.

• Wash your boat, trailer, truck and equipment with hot, soapy water or a five-percent solution of household bleach.

Following practice or competition at Lake Havasu:

• Remove any mud or vegetation from your boat, trailer or truck before leaving the immediate launch area.

• Drain the water from your outboard motor, livewells and bilge before leaving the immediate launch area.

• Completely inspect your boat and trailer, removing any visible mussels, and feeling for any rough or gritty spots on the hull. These may be young mussels that can be hard to see.

• Wash your boat, trailer, truck and any other equipment that comes in contact with lake water before launching in any other waterway. Use hot, soapy water or a five-percent solution of household bleach.

• Air-dry your boat and equipment for at least five days before launching in any other waterway.

These simple precautions will help avoid transporting this invasive species and other nuisance species that may be present in the water.

Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to a historical event at Lake Havasu. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (270) 703-2562.

Regards,

Chris Jones

FLW Series Tournament Director