
Two tugboats harboring invasive mussels were snagged by vigilant staffers at the Spokane watercraft inspection station early this month, preventing potentially severe ecological and economic consequences for Washington State. As reported by WDFW, these watercraft, one significantly fouled with these aquatic hitchhikers, were en route to a Washington marina from their last port of call in Lake Michigan, a region already blighted by the presence of quagga and zebra mussels since their detection in the 1980s.
At the Spokane station, a staggering 21 gallons of the invasive mussels were stripped from the more heavily infested tugboat—marking the largest haul of such unwelcome stowaways from a single vessel in seven years. The other tugboat, though less encrusted, was similarly cleansed of its unwanted cargo. "Invasive mussel introduction and establishment is an imminent threat to our state," Justin Bush, WDFW’s aquatic invasive species division manager, emphasized in a statement made by WDFW. The rapid reproductive cycle of these mussels underscores their potential as a pervasive and costly invader.
The interception fortuitously comes at a time when inspection stations like the one in Spokane are operating with leaner staff and truncated hours. The Spokane watercraft inspection station's ongoing full-capacity operations, amidst a backdrop of others reducing services this season, emerge thanks to a vital infusion of $3.62 million in state and federal funding. This financial backing enables the continued vigilance that was exemplified during the January 7 interception, as per WDFW.
For those enjoying the state's waters, remember the legal and ecological implications of neglecting these preventative measures. Violators not only incentivize ecological harm but risk facing severe penalties, including fines and potential jail time. To learn more about how you can help keep Washington's waters free of invasive mussels, visit WDFW's update on the recent tugboat interception and find out how you can do your part in this ongoing environmental crusade.