Arkansas Fish & Game officers stop zebra mussels from entering Table Rock Lake

OMAHA, Ark. (KY3) – An Arkansas Fish and Sport officer ticketed a Bull Shoals boater after discovering Zebra Mussels hooked up to the houseboat launching into Desk Rock Lake.

On Could 24, a marina operator on the Cricket Creek Marina stopped the houseboat’s proprietor from launching into Desk Rock after observing Zebra Mussels hooked up to the boat. The marina operator shortly notified an Arkansas Sport and Fish Fee (AGFC) Enforcement Officer to intervene.

“They will get on something, a ship or a jet ski, and as soon as they’re on that car, you’re taking it to a different physique of water, they will infest it,” stated Ralph Sizemore, an everyday at Bull Shoals. “It’s very damaging to the ecosystem. All people must be cautious and preserve their boats clear, particularly their motors.“

The primary confirmed discovery of Zebra Mussels in north-central Arkansas occurred in 2007 in Bull Shoals Lake close to Lead Hill. Though Zebra Mussels are prevalent in Bull Shoals Lake, there was no official documentation in Beaver, Greers Ferry, Norfork, or Desk Rock Lake.

”The Zebra mussels, they cling to shrubbery and bushes and clearly the undersides of boats,” stated Dana Swing, proprietor of Sugarloaf Harbor Marina. “However when the water recedes, they dry out and die. I feel stress washing goes a good distance. Take it out, pressure-wash it, and go away it in a spot it could dry out.“

AGFC recommends drying for 5 days to make sure no additional contamination. Within the Could 24 incident, officers required ten days and an inspection earlier than launching into Desk Rock Lake.

”Zebra Mussels are a prohibited species within the state of Arkansas,” defined Matt Horton, the aquatic nuisance species coordinator. “Which suggests you possibly can’t import, transport, or possess them. In case you are caught transporting zebra mussels in your boat, motor, or no matter. You would obtain a quotation.”

The identical goes for Missouri, the place in 2011, a choose issued the utmost penalty of a $1,000 tremendous and 6 months probation. Punishment might be harsher if transported throughout state strains.

Horton says the easiest way to keep away from unfold is to easily clear, drain, and dry your boat earlier than transporting it to a different physique of water.

“Should you transport them throughout state strains, that might evoke the lazy act, which may imply a federal violation,” stated Horton.

The quotation was the primary zebra mussel quotation written in 2022. Click on right here to be taught extra about aquatic nuisance species or report a sighting.

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