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The fight against ANS

DETROIT LAKES, MINN. – North Dakota has zebra mussels throughout the entire Red River. Biologists would like to keep the aquatic nuisance species from spreading to other bodies of water in the state. Zebra mussels have the ability to choke water intakes and change the biology of lakes and river, sometimes to the detriment of fishing and recreation.

Unlike North Dakota, Minnesota has a widespread infestation of zebra mussels that has spread to many bodies of water. The tiny animals are native to western Russia and are believed to have been transferred to the U.S. in the ballast of ships utilizing the Great Lakes. Zebra mussels were first discovered there in 1988.

While zebra mussels clean up water in lakes and streams by filtering small food particles out of the water, the resulting clear water quickly leads to increased plant growth that can overtake a lake. Adult zebra mussels cling to boat hulls and motors and docks, virtually anything in the water. When they take over water near the shore they become razor-like hazards for anyone wading or swimming.

In several counties in Minnesota an effort is under way to stop the spread of veligers, zebra mussels in the larval stage. Many of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes are either already infested or threatened. This year crews can be found at various Minnesota lakes applying a hot water wash to boats and motors and trailers in an effort to check the spread of zebra mussels.

“If you are coming off a zebra mussel infested lake you have to run through the decontamination station. It takes five to 10 minutes to make sure we kill all veligers on there,” said Alexander Weber, a decontamination crew member at Big Detroit Lake. “Thankfully Detroit Lakes is still clean.”

Weber’s crew washed all boats leaving Big Detroit Lake as well as any coming from any other lake known to have zebra mussels. It’s part of Becker County’s effort to thwart the spread of the tiny mussels. Other counties in Minnesota, but not all, have similar programs.

“We’re here Thursday through Sunday all summer from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” said Weber. “We’re here for any holidays or fishing tournaments as well. We keep the wash water around 145 to 150 degrees. That’s the perfect temperature when running down a boat hull to still kill any veligers toward the bottom of the hull. We don’t use any chemicals.”

Operators of any watercraft in North Dakota are required to drain water from hulls, live wells and motors when exiting any lake. Drain plugs must also be removed from all watercraft, visible proof of compliance with regulations designed to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species such as zebra mussels. Plants, even small pieces, must be removed from all boats, pets and equipment.

Additionally, Game and Fish recommends power washing the exterior and interior of boats and trailers at a commercial carwash to remove small plant fragments and items clinging to the hull. Disinfectant can be made with one part bleach for 20 parts warm water. It is also recommended that boats and trailers air dry for five or more days to deter ANS.

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