Two zebra mussels found in Mille Lacs; none found in additional surveys (2005-08-15)
Two zebra mussels were found in separate locations in Lake Mille Lacs last
week during a routine dive survey for net locations by fisheries biologists
from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). They are the first
zebra mussels to be found in Mille Lacs.
Mussels were found on the northwest side of the lake. Dive surveys covering
more than 20 sites over western and southern parts of the lake did not
reveal more of this invasive animal.
"This is certainly not welcome news, especially given that Mille Lacs is a
popular fishing destination used by anglers and boaters from all over the
state," said Gary Montz, DNR zebra mussel coordinator. "It is critical that
boaters take extra precautions to prevent any spread."
Game fish have not yet shown impacts from zebra mussels in the Mississippi
River, Lake Superior and other Minnesota lakes where they have been
discovered. However, the effects of zebra mussels are difficult to predict.
Zebra mussels are known to foul beaches, clog water intakes, harm native
mussels, and possibly interfere in lake food chains.
To prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species in Mille
Lacs, the DNR will continue its sustained public awareness campaign, urging
boaters and others to carefully remove all aquatic plants from their
watercraft, trailers and equipment. For the past several years, the DNR has
stationed seasonal watercraft inspectors at public boat accesses around
Mille Lacs to inform boaters about invasive species issues. In addition, the
DNR will continue looking for more zebra mussels during dive surveys in
Mille Lacs.
Zebra mussels were discovered in Minnesota in the Duluth Superior Harbor in
1989 and have since become established in the Mississippi River, Lake Zumbro
(an inland lake north of Rochester), and Lake Ossawinnamakee near Brainerd.
There is a chance that the two zebra mussels may not be the first sign of an
infestation. "The presence of two zebra mussels is troubling, but we need to
look at more sites to make a decision on the status of the lake." Montz
said. "It’s critical that boaters and other lake users take precautions to
prevent any spread in the chance that there is a population in the lake."
Boaters leaving Lake Mille Lacs and other Minnesota waters should take the
following precautions:
 | carefully remove all aquatic plants from their watercraft, trailers and equipment |
| drain all lake water, including live wells, bilges and bait buckets before leaving an access site |
| wash their boats with hot water or let their boats dry thoroughly for
five days before launching them in other waters. |
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