Got Zebra Mussels? Let us know in advance!

First introduced into the Great Lakes via a cargo ship’s ballast water, the highly adaptable and prolific Zebra Mussel has rapidly spread to freshwater lakes all across the US.   Here are links to help you to identify and better understand this non-native invasive species.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_mussel

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/zebramussel/index.html

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/invert/zebramussel.htm

 

At MREBoatTransport, we inspect all boats for this pesky aquatic hitchhiker, before we risk transferring and introducing the species to another fresh water lake.   If your boat is infested with these creatures, we will require that you have the boat professionally cleaned before transport, to help us avoid hefty DNR fines - and the possible quarantine and impoundment of your boat!  

Cleaning efforts and costs will vary based on the severity of the infestation and the complexity of getting your particular boat mussel free.   Usually a simple pressure washing of the hull and fittings is sufficient.   In more severe cases, through-hull fittings may need disassembly, and internal lake water systems may need to be inspected and hot water flushed to kill hidden infestations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK9ongvatLU

Please let us know in advance, if your lake / boat is already known to be infested - especially if you plan to come out of the water during the season and head directly for another freshwater lake…

Lets all do our part in keeping these unwelcomed critters at bay.  

Thanks!  Mark Rinker, MREBoatTransport.com