Zebra Mussels

[Champ]

From KY3.com

Zebra mussels show up in Lake of the Ozarks

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The Conservation Department has found the dreaded zebra mussel in central Missouri's Lake of the Ozark. Fish and wildlife experts are on the lookout for more of the striped shelled creatures, which harm other aquatic life and clog up water intake pipelines that supply cities and power plants.

Officials say boat owners should wash off their watercraft to prevent to prevent the spread of zebra mussels from one body of water to another

[catman70]

I saw that as well. Currently, the only known colonies are around the 8-mile marker - which probably means someone vacationing at 4 Seasons brought the mussels with them. Other than baitshops I don't recall seeing warning signs anywhere. At least not at boat ramps and marina docks where they should be. I think a common misconception is that they are primarily transferd by fishermen with livewells. Like the car owner who doesn't even know how to add wiper fliud to their vehicle, too many boat owners don't understand that their IOs (jetskis included) hold water in the engine unless flushed out when dry docked.

[CaptainT16]

That is sad to hear. We have found the zebras in El Dorado lake just east of Wichita here in KS, and they are everywhere. When the water was really low a couple of months ago, all of the dead ones still attached to the rocks is amazing. They do keep the water really clean, but they are very worried about the long term effects on them. I guess only time will tell, but it is amazing to see how quickly they attach themselves to things. Don't ever go swimming barefoot, or you are going to get cut up badly.