March 5, 2007           

More Michigan Lakes Infested With Zebra Mussels; New Program To Help Prevent Spread By Educating Boaters    

EAST LANSING, Mich. — In 2006, zebra mussel infestations were confirmed in six more of Michigan’s inland lakes, bringing the total to 233, according to Michigan Sea Grant.

Last year, the striped mollusks were reported for the first time in the following lakes (counties):  Horsehead (Mecosta); Turk (Montcalm); and Bald Eagle, Green, and Proud (Oakland). The infestations are now present in 53 of the state’s 83 counties. Oakland County leads the list with 51 infested lakes, followed by Livingston with 16, Cass with 14 and Branch with 11.

All of the 2006 reports came from lakefront property owners, other interested citizens and resource managers who found adult colonies of the mussels clinging to surfaces such as boats, docks, rocks, dams and water pumps. Reports from citizens become part of the zebra mussel infestation monitoring program maintained by Michigan Sea Grant. See: Reports

Carol Swinehart, Michigan Sea Grant Extension communications manager, encourages citizens to look for zebra mussels whenever they go to an inland lake. 

“If you find what you think is a zebra mussel in a lake or stream that is not already on the list of infested lakes on the Web site, note the date and the precise location where you found it; take the mussel (several, if possible) and store in rubbing alcohol, then call Michigan Sea Grant Extension or send an e-mail message with the information to cys@msu.edu.

“Boaters can be especially helpful in slowing the spread of the pesky mollusk and preventing damage to their equipment,” Swinehart says, “by following a few simple steps every time they move their watercraft or recreational gear.”

• Inspect and remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting your recreational equipment.
• Drain water from equipment (boat, motor, trailer, live wells) before transporting it.
• Dry equipment for at least five days.
• Dispose of unwanted live bait in the trash.
• Know the Law:  Michigan laws prohibit possessing or transporting any live transgenic (genetically engineered) organisms, several live nonnative fish and many nonnative aquatic plants, including entire plants, fragments and seeds, as well as hybrids and genetically engineered variants. See: Species list

Citizens can help prevent the introduction of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species into more of Michigan’s waters by participating in Clean Boats, Clean Waters. Members of Clean Boats, Clean Waters teams help educate boaters about the important role they can play in preventing invasive species from infesting more of Michigan’s water wonderland. See: Registration

Michigan Sea Grant is dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of Great Lakes and coastal resources through research, outreach and education. It is a cooperative program of Michigan State University and the University of Michigan and is part of the National Sea Grant College Program, supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

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