Boaters Warned Of Risks Of Zebra Mussels On Grand Lake

Erin Conrad, News On 6

VINITA, Oklahoma - A large number of invasive zebra mussels have been found in Grand Lake. Now the Grand River Dam Authority is issuing a warning about what the Fish and Wildlife Service calls "public enemy number one."

Zebra mussels are an invasive species, that can be found on the bottom of your boat. The Grand River Dam Authority wants to remind boaters that they're here in the lake, and what precautions to take.

It's a problem plaguing lakes across the country, and some boaters at Grand Lake say they're not shocked by the reports. But while the invasive zebra mussels may not be a surprise - they're still a problem for the lake.

"The thing about zebra mussels is that they can pretty much attach to any solid object in the water," said Justin Alberty, Grand River Dam Authority spokesperson.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Info On Zebra Mussels

Objects like intake pipes, pumps, docks and other underwater structures that can become clogged, causing damage to boats and water pumps.

"It would concern me if I was leaving my boat in the water all the time, but I don't," said boater Talbot Donley.

"I move my boat in on a Saturday morning and get it out Sunday afternoon. I walk the boat. and I never see any on it, but I would expect the boats that are in the boat slips - they're probably there."

There are ways to prevent damage and spread.

"Go blast your boat off once you get it out of the water at the car wash. Clean it off and let it dry," Alberty said.

"Same thing with your live wells in your boat. You know, don't leave standing water, moist water like that might cause these things to really take on and grow and that's what really helps prevent their spread."

GRDA On Cleaning Your Boat