Maryland Natural Resources officials are asking boaters to help stop the spread of invasive zebra mussels.Not an issue for me; my boat goes from the harbor to the boat yard and back (unless I drive it up the road for repairs). But people who fish, crab or duck hunt in several different tributaries, particularly up in the low salinity portions of the bay, could potentially spread them.
The DNR says department biologists found young zebra mussels on anchor blocks for buoys near Havre de Grace last month. And they say boaters, anglers and others who use the lower Susquehanna River and upper Chesapeake Bay can help stop the spread.
Precautions include washing mud and plants from boats, motors and trailers, as well as draining all river water before leaving. Rinsing equipment with hot or high pressure water before traveling to another water body is also recommended.
Zebra mussels were first found in Maryland in 2008 in the Susquehanna River. Biologists say zebra mussels can force out native species as well as clog intake pipes at power plants and public water systems.
While the precautions may slow the spread of the dreaded mollusc, it's almost inevitable that they will colonize most portions of the Bay with suitable habitat (mostly low salinity). They will get moved around by large floods, floating debris, birds and the rare Chesapeake manatee in the fullness of time.
To be honest I thought that it was the other way around so just to make sure we are helping the boaters on this right?! I’m sharing this to all my friends right now… :D
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