FWP Intercepts Waterborne Pest

Watercraft inspectors at the Nashua station inspecting an outboard motorboat last week discovered mussels on the transducer, gimbal and other areas of the transom.

The motorboat was traveling from Lake Erie to Kalispell.

This is the 50th mussel-fouled boat intercepted this year, surpassing the total number of 35 mussel-fouled boats intercepted in 2020.

Mussels are an invasive species which are non-native to area ecosystems and can cause harm to natural and cultural resources, the economy and human health.

Invasive species can reproduce and spread rapidly when introduced to new environments, due to a lack of predators to keep the populations in check.

Among many other aquatic invasive species, Zebra and Quagga mussels have become a major concern across North America due to their impacts on waterways and all who rely on them.

They colonize and restrict flow in water supply pipes, thus impacting hydroelectric operations, public water supplies, power generation and other industrial facilities.

The mussels also foul boats leading to increased drag, docks and pilings impacting their structural integrity, and rocky shorelines leading to hazards for human recreation.

By filtering phytoplankton and other materials suspended in the water, these species have drastically altered food webs and the composition of species in the water bodies where they have become established.

The Nashua watercraft inspection station, located on Highway 2, is operated by the McCone Conservation District under a contract with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Statewide, 94,800 watercraft inspections have been conducted this year, slightly down from the 112,300 number of inspections conducted at this time last year.

FWP reminds anyone transporting motorized or non-motorized boats into Montana that an inspection is required before launching, and stopping at all open watercraft inspection stations is required.

Failing to stop at an inspection station can result in a fine of up to $500.

Boaters should ensure their watercraft, trailer and all equipment that is in contact with water (anchor, lines, swim ladder, etc.) is clean, drained of water and dry.