Home / Environment / Oregon intercepts invasive mussels on boat from Arizona
Oregon intercepts invasive mussels on boat from Arizona
24 Mar
Summary
- Quagga mussels were found on a boat entering Oregon from Lake Havasu.
- This marks the first 2026 interception of invasive mussels at Oregon's border.
- Invasive mussels pose a threat to native species and infrastructure.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff intercepted quagga mussels on a motorboat arriving from Lake Havasu, Arizona, during an inspection in Ashland on Saturday, March 21, 2026. This marks the first instance in 2026 where these invasive mussels were found on a boat entering the state. "Invasive freshwater mussels like quagga mussels can do real damage to Oregon's lakes, rivers and water infrastructure," stated ODFW Invasive Species Coordinator Keith DeHart. He urged boaters to clean, drain, and dry their vessels before transport.
Quagga mussels are a significant threat to native food chains and can damage water infrastructure. Although never detected in Oregon waterways, they have been intercepted several times at inspection stations. In comparison, Idaho has spent millions since 2023 attempting to eradicate quagga mussels from parts of the Snake River, a process that resulted in killing millions of fish. Oregon law requires all vehicles transporting watercraft to stop at open inspection stations, marked by "Boat Inspection Ahead" signs.
