Jensen reports that the concerned owner removed the mussels with a brush and promised to take it to a car wash to jet spray off any remaining mussels. The boat was moored all summer at a private dock in shallow water near Hearding Island, Park Point. According to Jay Rendall, DNR Exotic Species Program coordinator, the incident underscores the need for boaters to be especially diligent. Our rules and regulations reinforce that it's important to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other prohibited species, but it's the cooperative and voluntary action by boaters that is making the real difference. In Minnesota, it is unlawful to transport zebra mussels or aquatic plants on a public road.
Violators are subject to misdemeanor or civil penalties.
Zebra mussels attach to hard surfaces, such as boat hulls and motors and can also attach to aquatic plants. This makes it important for boaters to remove all plants from their boat and trailer, and to empty water from livewells and bait buckets before leaving infested waters. Another area of the state where boats could potentially transport the harmful exotic is Lake Pepin, a widening of the Mississippi River. The zebra mussel population in this area has grown to over 20,000 mussels per square yard. Those boaters should be prepared to clean their boats before leaving boat accesses.