Zebra mussels ever-present in Lake Ozark
Zebra mussel spawning season is upon Lake of the Ozarks. From mid-spring until mid-summer the zebra mussel is actively reproducing. Be aware, be supportive, take action!
By now, most everyone native to the Lake Ozark area is aware of the growing zebra mussel problem. Zebra mussels, or "Dreissena polymorpha" are a dime to quarter sized (can grow larger) freshwater species of mussel that are originally indigenous to the southeastern lakes of Russia. They are easily identified by thier zebra-like stripes and almost always gather in "colonies".
While there are no immediate threats to humans other than the razor sharp leading edge of thier shell, this species can do an enormous amount of damage to native wildlife among other things. They compete for food with native mussels and other wildlife and without intervention, can easily overtake an area by sheer numbers alone. The female zebra mussel of reproductive age can produce as many as 1 million eggs per year. Boats, docks, structural supports or anything else that they adhere to can become victims too.
For boaters at Lake of the Ozarks the zebra mussel can become a great nuisance, clogging thru-hulls, intakes, jets, prop exhaust areas and also attaching to outdrives, hulls and any other material in the water including docks, supports, floats, etc. For a boater this can mean extensive damage and engine or outdrive repairs which may run into the thousands of dollars!
As a responsible boater, you should always inspect your vessel for these invasive mussels. This is best done by pulling your boat from the water, looking around all nooks and crannies, checking your outdrive, intakes, exhaust ports, etc. A favorite area for zebra mussels are any exposed brass, steel or other metals that they may easily adhere to. If you leave your boat "wet", or in the water all the time, you should invest in bottom paint or a boat lift. Marine bottom paints are an usually combined with actual living organisms that repel any type of "growth", which does include mussels, and is the cheaper of the two. When or if you do find an infestation, remove them with an edge or power-washing.
Be certain that you dont just power-wash them back into the lake!
The mussel itself can live for several days out of the water, so the look and smell of a dead zebra mussel can be very deceiving. If you should find a particularly large infestation of them, contact the Missouri conservation dept or by phone: 573-882-9880
Please do your part to contain the outbreak of zebra mussels at our Lake!
Remember to:
- Clean your boat thoroughly once out of the water.
- Inspect all crevices, trailers, props, outdrives, intakes, thru-hulls, etc.
- Dump all livewells and bait buckets on land away from waterways after you leave.
- Clean and rinse all livewells and bait buckets after you arrive at home.
- Let your boat dry out in open air for at least 5-7 days as often as you can.
- Keep as much as your boat out of the water when wet storing, such as drives, etc.
- Always "pre-inspect" your boat before entering or loading into any waterway.
- Never scrape off, or throw zebra mussels into the lake.
Join the effort here: Missouri stream team or by phone: 800 781-1989