Zebra mussels were transported from Europe in ballast water of ships and were found in the Great Lakes in 1988. The tiny mussels form large clusters that can clog water lines. Damage can occur in boat engines if cooling systems are clogged. These clusters represent costly threats to industries, municipal water plants and agricultural irrigation systems. Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge and transom wells while on land before leaving any waterbody.
Empty bait buckets on land before leaving the waterbody.
Never release live bait into a waterbody. Do not release aquatic animals from one waterbody into another. This task may be done on the way home or after arrival. In addition to clustering onto native mussels, zebra mussels filter phytoplankton and zooplankton, small plants and animals living in the water. This activity affects the food supply for native species.