What boaters can do to stem the spread of invasive quagga/zebra mussels


Be aware that transferring a boat that has been in infested waters will allow the spread
of quagga mussels, or the closely related zebra mussels.
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Thoroughly wash the hull of each fishing boat, sailboat, or personal watercraft once it leaves
the water. This is especially important if the vessel has been moored for more than a day.
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Use hot water from a high-pressure hose when possible during all cleaning operations. The use
of chlorine in the cleaning process is also recommended.
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Thoroughly wash any watercraft trailer used to remove a boat from a lake, river or waterway.
Use hot water from a high-pressure hose when possible, or use chlorine in the cleaning
process.
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Physically inspect all exposed surfaces. The presence of quagga mussels will feel like sandpaper
to the touch.
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Remove aquatic plants from boat, motor and trailer. Check all underwater fittings and
equipment, such as rollers, axle, bilge and trailer, and above water equipment, such as
anchors, live wells, and docks. Place aquatic plants in trash if possible.
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Drain any lake or river water from equipment including the motor, bilges, live wells, bait
buckets, and coolers. Ensure all drained areas are dry.
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Ensure the watercraft’s lower outboard unit is drained and dry.
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Dispose of unwanted live bait on shore or in trash.
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Any vessel traveling from Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Lake Havasu, the Colorado River, or
lakes that receive water from the Colorado Aqueduct, including: Lake Skinner (Riverside
County), Lake Mathews (Riverside County), San Vicente Reservoir (San Diego County),
Dixon Lake (San Diego County), Lower Otay Reservoir (San Diego County), Miramar
Reservoir (San Diego County) and Lake Murray (San Diego County) should remain dry and
out of water for five days.
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For personal watercraft, impeller areas can contain quagga and zebra mussels and aquatic
plants. Once upon the trailer, run the engine for five to 10 seconds to blow out excess water,
mussels and plants. Before leaving water access, inspect and remove any mussels or plants
from intake, steering nozzle, hull, and trailer.
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Exercise patience at Department of Fish and Game vehicle checkpoints and Department of
Food and Agriculture border inspection stations.