Check Your Docks & Boats for Zebra Mussels This Fall
Photo: A dock on Yoho Lake. Photo credit: The New Brunswick Invasive Species Council
As the boating season draws to a close, the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council is asking residents across the province to inspect their docks, boats, and other related equipment and infrastructure for invasive zebra mussels when preparing them for winter storage.
First discovered in New Brunswick in 2023, zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) pose a significant threat to the province’s freshwater ecosystems, infrastructure, economy, and recreational activities. They are a small but aggressive freshwater invader that multiplies quickly, taking over areas to the extent of altering ecosystem functioning, damaging infrastructure by clogging water intake systems and covering submerged structures, outcompeting native freshwater mussels, and making recreational areas like beaches unusable from their sharp shells.
Zebra mussels have only been confirmed in the Edmundston area, but preliminary investigation suggests they may be spreading further down the Wolastoq/St. John River and could be transported to other waterbodies via recreational activities, prompting the council to call for public vigilance.
"We’re encouraging community members and water-enthusiasts alike to be diligently on the lookout for these aquatic invaders.” said Sarah Cusack, Project Coordinator at NBISC. “The more people that we have on the lookout for zebra mussels, the greater chance that a new sighting could be found and responded to early, which is key to preventing their spread.”
How to Check for Zebra Mussels
Residents are encouraged to thoroughly check their docks, watercraft, buoys, moorings, and other related equipment when removing them for the winter. Zebra mussels are typically no larger than a thumbnail, have a distinct zig-zag shell pattern, and can be found on hard surfaces singularly or in clusters. When inspecting watercraft and docks, check submerged portions for mussels and run your hand over smooth surfaces as juvenile mussels can feel like sandpaper. Additionally, check internal components like live wells, ballast tanks, and bilge pumps for any signs of zebra mussels.
Photo: A zebra mussel. Photo credit: Dave Britton, US Fish & Wildlife Service
Prevention is Key – CLEAN DRAIN DRY!
Preventing the spread of zebra mussels is critical to protecting our lakes and rivers. The most effective way to stop them from spreading to new water bodies is by ensuring boats and other water equipment are properly cleaned, drained, and dried after each use. This is especially important for those traveling between the Wolastoq/Saint John River and other waterbodies. Remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY:
CLEAN: clean your boats, docks, and equipment thoroughly with hot water when possible. Remove any debris and dispose of it on land.
DRAIN: drain water from all internal compartments, ballast tanks, live wells, bilges, bait buckets, and motors on land and at least 30m away from the water.
DRY: dry any remaining standing water using a sponge or towel.
Additionally, when purchasing or moving used water infrastructure like floating docks or buoys, ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned, drained, and dried.
For more information or to report suspected zebra mussel sightings, contact the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council by emailing report@nbinvasives.ca or call (506) 452-6907.