MISSOURI – With temperatures gradually rising again, an increasing number of boaters are returning to the waters. The Missouri Department of Conservation warns these enthusiasts to be cautious about stowaways.
Invasive zebra mussels first appeared in Missouri back in 1991, which was only three years following their discovery in water bodies across North America. These notorious creatures are recognized for inflicting considerable harm on local ecosystems and indigenous fish populations.
The MDC further notes that zebra mussels have the potential to “devastate populations… clog power plants, along with industrial and municipal drinking water intake facilities, coat boat hulls, and affect motors.”
Since these creatures can be smaller than one inch, spotting them can be quite challenging. Boat owners often inadvertently transport them to new water bodies via their engines, docks, pumps, and various pieces of equipment without being aware of it.
MDC pointed out that “the absence of a known zebra mussel infestation in a river or lake doesn’t guarantee immunity.”
At present, zebra mussels have been identified in numerous lakes across Missouri, such as:
- Blue Springs Lake
- Bull Shoals Lake
- Carrollton Recreation Lake
- Lake Jacomo
- Lake Lotawana
- Lake Taneycomo
- Lake of the Ozarks
- Longview Lake
- Prairie Lee Lake
- Smithville Lake
To stop the spread of zebra mussels, the MDC advises boaters to thoroughly cleanse their gear, ensure all water is drained upon departure from the site, provide sufficient drying time for the vessel, and dispose of any leftover bait in a garbage bin.
To view the complete announcement from MDC,
click here
.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This content must not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
To get the most recent updates on news, weather, sports, and live videos, visit FOX 2.
Leave a Reply