Safety Corner

Quagga and Zebra mussels were first seen in 1989 in the Great Lakes. They traveled there from freshwater ballast discharged from transoceanic freighters. They are approximately ½ inch in size.

The mussels filter huge volumes of water in order to feed on plankton, (microscopic plant and animal life) which forms the base of the aquatic food chain and bacteria. This removal of plankton from the lakes has created an increase in water clarity. Although the clearer lake water is seen as an aesthetic benefit to some, the loss of nutrients reduces the available food for fish and other organisms. Zebra and Quagga mussels attach to rocks, piers, intake pipes, boat hulls and trailers. The mussels contaminate drinking water treatment and power plant intakes. But more important wakeboarders is that they can get into our ballast and fat sacs via the fill hoses. California and Michigan are two of the largest areas infested with the mussels.

 

To prevent spreading the mussel to uninfected water, boaters should inspect the boat and trailer and remove any weeds hanging from the boat. Flush the hull, drive unit, bilge, trailer and other parts that have gotten wet using a hard spray from a garden hose. You can also take it to a do-it-yourself car wash. Wash water should not go into a storm sewer drain as it may cause further infestation of water. Dry boats and trailers in the sun for 5 days before launching into uninfested waters.