The Quagga Mussel and related Zebra Mussel are small freshwater mollusks. Since their arrival in the Great Lakes from eastern Europe in the ballast of ships in the late 1980s, the Quagga Mussel has spread throughout much of the United States including California. They have no natural predators. It is a voracious filter feeder reducing the amount of food available to other aquatic species. It is also highly prolific fowling water pipes, docks and boat motors and crowding out native species. It is spread to new areas primarily by ships and recreational watercraft. Quagga Mussels have not yet been detected in Oregon and Washington waters. Be vigilant! Carefully clean your watercraft when moving to a new water body.
