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Zebra mussels |
Zebra mussels – an invasive species that poses serious ecological and economic threats to Minnesota’s lakes and streams – have now spread to Lake Minnetonka, the Department of Natural Resources announced on July 28.
For years, the DNR has worked with lake residents and users to prevent the introduction of zebra mussels to Lake Minnetonka.
Heavy infestations of zebra mussels can kill native mussels, impact fish populations, interfere with recreation, and increase costs for industry, including power and water supply facilities. Native to Eastern Europe and Western Russia, zebra mussels were first discovered in Minnesota in 1989 in the Duluth harbor.
Click here for the DNR’s background information on zebra mussels. The Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press published reports on the discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka. Click here to read a Freshwater Society primer on invasive species, including zebra mussels.
Since the discovery of zebra mussels in the Duluth harb or, they have spread to 17 inland lakes, including Mille Lacs, Prior, and Le Homme Dieu and to portions of the Mississippi, St. Croix and Zumbro rivers.
DNR biologists confirmed that several tiny zebra mussels were found attached to rocks along the shore on the east side of Lake Minnetonka’s Wayzata Bay near Highway 101. A local resident discovered the zebra mussels and reported them to the DNR.
It is not known how widespread zebra mussels are in the lake. The young age of the zebra mussels suggest a reproducing population has likely been in the lake for a least a year. The DNR is looking further into the situation this week. A more extensive survey will be done later in the summer when any mussels in the lake will be larger and more visible. Anyone who finds zebra mussels in the lake should contact the DNR.
To prevent the spread of invasive species, Minnesota boaters are required by law to:
- Remove aquatic plants and zebra mussels from boats and trailers.
- Drain all water, including pulling the drain plug, open water draining devises, and draining bilges and live wells. The drain plug has to be removed or open when transporting your boat on public roads.
- Drain bait buckets when exiting lakes that have been designated as infested with spiny water flea or zebra mussels. Anglers can keep unused bait when leaving infested waters if they replace the water with tap or spring.
The DNR also recommends that boaters spray or rinse boats with high pressure and-or hot water, or let them dry thoroughly for five days before transporting to another body of water.
Click here for the DNR’s background information on zebra mussels. The Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press published reports on the discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Minnetonka. Click here to read a Freshwater Society primer on invasive species, including zebra mussels.