68
degrees average
QUAGGA AND ZEBRA MUSSEL
Dept. of Fish and Game Quagga Mussel Information
Click here to view video Don't Move A Mussel
With the discovery of the Quagga Mussel in Lake Mead, Lake Havasu and many other southern California lakes, we are taking the necessary steps to prevent their spread to Big Bear Lake. It is critical that we enlist the public’s help. If the Zebra or Quagga were to become established in Big Bear Lake, they will have devastating environmental, recreational and economic impacts.
Boats are the primary transporters of Zebra and Quagga Mussels. Any vessel traveling from another lake or the Colorado River should remain dry and out of water for at least seven days prior to entering Big Bear Lake. All boaters should take the following steps to inhibit the spread of the Zebra and Quagga Mussel.
Why are the Zebra and Quagga Mussels bad for boaters and fish?
-
Destroy fish habitat and food sources, thus threatening the fishery.
-
Ruin your engine by blocking the cooling system causing overheating.
-
Increase drag on the bottom of your boat, reducing speed and wasting fuel.
-
Jam steering equipment on boats.
-
Colonize all underwater objects such as boat ramps, docks, lines and other surfaces so they require constant cleaning.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP!
-
Thoroughly wash the hull of each watercraft once it is out of the water, removing all plants and animal material.
-
Drain any water through the vessel’s hull plug, and ensure the area is dry.
-
Ensure the vessel’s lower outboard unit is drained and dry.
-
Clean and dry any live-well aboard the vessel.
-
Empty and dry any buckets.
-
Dispose of all bait in the trash.
Help keep Big Bear Lake Quagga Mussel free...
Make sure your boat is CLEAN, DRAINED, and DRY!
