Invasive Species - A growing problem in the pacific northwest

Washington state: Inspectors stop boat with invasive mussels

State officials say they stopped a boat that was contaminated with zebra mussels before the invasive species could spread in Washington waters.

The Associated Press
BELLINGHAM, Wash. —

State officials say they stopped a boat that was contaminated with zebra mussels before the invasive species could spread in Washington waters.

Officers with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington State Patrol in Cle Elum inspected the 57-foot boat being hauled from Michigan to British Columbia. They found the tiny zebra mussels attached to a light fixture on the boat's stern and sent it to be cleaned in Bellingham.

Officials say the mussels have caused damage in other states. They multiply quickly, threatening native fish and clogging pipes used for irrigation and municipal water supplies.

The Bellingham Herald reports that state agencies have been inspecting boats hauled into the state since 2006 and found quagga and zebra mussels on more than 20 boats.

Inspecting, washing and sanitizing equipment between trips is one effective way to help iminimize the spread of invasive species. For more information on invasive species, visit: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/