The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced on December 1, 2011, that zebra mussels have been found in Connecticut’s Lake Housatonic. The lake, located in Derby, Monroe, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, is the most downstream of three large impoundments of the Housatonic River. Zebra mussels had previously been found in Lakes Zoar and Lillinonah, the other two large impoundments located upstream of Lake Housatonic.
The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a small, nonnative mollusk that was first discovered in North America in 1988. It is believed to have been transported in the ballast tanks of ships from western European ports. Zebra mussels are prolific breeders with each female producing one million eggs each year. Young zebra mussels are so small (the size of the diameter of a human hair) that they spread easily by water currents. Adult zebra mussels are less than two inches long and attach to hard surfaces, including boats and boat trailers. Adult zebra mussels can spread from lake to lake when a boat carrying them is moved from one body of water to another. Under highly favorable conditions, the mussel can foul boat hulls and engine cooling water systems and clog power plant, industrial and public drinking water intakes.
DEEP advises boaters and anglers to follow certain precautions to prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals, including zebra mussels. For example:
Before leaving a boat launch:
CLEAN: all visible plant, fish, and animals as well as mud or other debris. Do not transport them home.
DRAIN: all water from every space and item that may hold water.
At home or prior to your next launch:
DRY: anything that comes in contact with water (boats, trailers, anchors, propellers, etc) for a minimum of 1 week during hot/dry weather or a minimum of 4 weeks during cool/wet weather.
For related information, see OLR Reports 2011-R-0013 and 2011-R-0063.
