Over 9,500 boats inspected for invasive quagga mussels during Labor Day Weekend
Law enforcement officers and technicians with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other agencies were hard at work over the holiday weekend, inspecting and decontaminating watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive quagga mussels from Lake Powell and other out-of-state infested reservoirs to other waterbodies in Utah.
SALT LAKE CITY — Labor Day weekend saw Utah’s waterways bustling with activity, as law enforcement officers and aquatic invasive species technicians worked tirelessly to prevent the spread of invasive quagga mussels. Coordinated efforts by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah State Parks, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the National Park Service resulted in the inspection of 9,596 boats and 159 decontaminations statewide.
The majority of inspections took place at stations in the Lake Powell area, where 1,799 boats were examined, and 41 required decontamination. Quagga mussels, which originate from infested waters such as Lake Powell, pose a serious threat to Utah’s water systems. These invasive species clog water lines, damage boat engines, and harm local fish populations by depleting plankton.
DWR conservation officers issued 149 citations and warnings over the holiday weekend, mostly for violations of Utah’s aquatic invasive species laws. Common offenses included boaters neglecting to take the mandatory Mussel-Aware Boater Program course or failing to remove drain plugs while transporting their vessels.
“We appreciate all the boaters who took time to comply with the requirements,” said DWR Aquatic Invasive Species Lieutenant Bruce Johnson. “Their cooperation helps prevent the spread of these harmful species. We encourage everyone to stay informed by visiting the STD of the Sea website.”
Inspection stations are located at various boat ramps, highways, and entry points across Utah, with new dip tanks available for free decontamination at key locations like Utah Lake State Park and Willard Bay State Park. For more information, boaters can visit the STD of the Sea website at https://stdofthesea.utah.gov to find decontamination stations and review guidelines for responsible boating.
Why quagga mussels are a serious threat
- They block water lines, leading to costly removal.
- They damage boat engines by fouling the cooling systems.
- Quagga mussels can significantly harm fish populations by consuming plankton.
- Their sharp shells litter beaches, posing a hazard to beachgoers.
State officials continue to urge vigilance from boaters to help protect Utah’s natural water resources.
