The Zebra and Qugga Problem
I am going to address this complex issue in several parts. The first part will outline the spread of the invasive mussels and mudsnails in the USA. The second part will address angler’s participation in preve nting the spread of invasive mussels and mudsnails.
Part 1
The Zebra and Quagga mussels first appeared in the Great Lakes in the mid 80’s. The Quagga mussels have proven to out compete the Zebra mussel, can tolerate cooler water temperatures, and can be found at greater depths. The larvae and veliger stage can be spread through natural and artificial modes. Natural river currents can disperse the veligers to waters suitable for attachment and reproduction. Veligers can be dispersed to other bodies of water via dragonfly and dragonfly larvae as well as birds. Artificial modes of the dispersal of adult Zebra and Quagga mussels include boats, especially moored or docked boats. Veligers can be dispersed via contaminated equipment such as neoprene suits, nets, etc. Researchers have documented veliger stage Quaggas living in neoprene wetsuits and jet ski intakes for up to 30 days. They can live in humid or moist environments for prolonged periods of time. Eradication is impossible when populations become established. Early detection and vigilant surveillance are key to preventing Zebra mussel, Quagga mussel, and New Zealand mudsnail infestations. Public awareness and education play a big roll in early detection and prevention of infestation. Most researchers and scie ntists agree that the mussels are here to stay. The commonsense approach should be focused on surveillance and population control.
Part 2
Boater and angler education cannot be over emphasized. In fact ALL STAKEHOLDERS should make educated and informed decisions based upon best available research and science. Regulatory agencies must use extreme caution when making decisions that can affect industry, commerce, and the general public. Our focus is on assisting anglers with the use of products that are commonly used in hauling and hatchery settings. Education of both the live bait angler and tournament angler play a large roll in our business. In the past two decades we have seen several emerging diseases, the most recent cause for concern is the VHSV in the Great Lakes. This is another invasive pathogen that is here to stay. Helping anglers adopt responsible fishing habits as well as providing them with effective tools to help prevent the spread and transmission of these pathogens has become the focus of our efforts. In 2006 we introduced a water conditioner formulated to address some of these emerging pathogens. The registered name of the product is “Catch and Release” and is currently under Patent Pending with the USPO. The formula contains two well known disinfectants to the aquaculture industry. The U.S. Sea Grant program (Mississippi Sea Grant Extension Service, Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program) were the particular programs involved in the research. In studies, these disinfectants were used effectively against all stages of the Zebra mussel at various dosage rates and contact times. Adult Zebra and Quagga mussels should not be problematic in a livewell or baitwell situation. The semi buoyant planktonic larvae can be problematic, since they can easily be dispersed and transported while in suspension. They are susceptible to lower amounts or dosages of these disinfectants, these lower dosages are not toxic to the fish. We formulated the product to kill both the VHSV, LMBV, along with some of the more deadly gram positive bacteriums. The VHSV has been found to live for up to a year in aquatic environments outside the host and cannot be destroyed by freezing temperatures. Livewells, baitwells, and hauling tanks are sources of transmission for various pathogens and invasive species. “Catch And Release” is presented as a tool and not a magic bullet for preventing the transmission of these organisms. It is intended to be used in conjunction with responsible fishing habits. For anglers this includes the following recommendations: NEVER transfer any live bait or fish from one body of water to another! Livewell aeration systems should run continuously in manual mode, baitwells should have adequate aeration, baitwells and livewells should recirculate the water (not draw fresh water through system). Our products address serious water quality issues such as ammonia caused from metabolic waste, etc. We encourage anglers to flush livewells and or baitwells after use on dry land or at boat cleaning station. We STRONGLY recommend that anglers pressure wash their boats after use. Livewells and baitswells should be disinfected along with bilge pumps. Anglers should avoid taking boats to bodies of water that harbor mussels, snails, etc, when possible. If boats are taken to infested waters, boats should be pressure washed BEFORE leaving area! We also recommend that anglers disinfect both the exterior of boat along with livewells, baitwells, etc, once they arrive at storage area. Mooring or docking boats overnight should be discouraged in mussel or snail infested waters. There is enough scientific evidence to suggest that docked or moored boats are the highest risk for spreading mussels and snails. Even the docking or mooring of rental boats should be avoided due to the natural spread of mussels. Any docked or moored boat is a potential home for mussels in high risk areas! These are a few of our recommendations to anglers, which are relevant to the Zebra and Quagga mussel problem.
It is our opinion that most lakes should remain open to low risk, responsible boat owners, who are actively involved and compliant with state and federal surveillance programs. Any boat or watercraft that requires overnight mooring or docking should be considered high risk. Responsible boat owners are careful to properly dispose and discard baitwell and livewell water, thoroughly clean, disinfect, and dry boat after EACH USE. High risk boats and vessels should be identified in surveillance programs. Restrictions should be centered around identified high risk vessels and activities, which could spread adult Quagga and Zebra mussels attached to boat. Across the board restrictions on all boats could impact the local economy, fishing and boating industry, and prove useless in preventing the spread and infestation of Zebra and Quagga mussels. Identification of high risk activities, such as scuba diving in known Quagga infested waters should be part of a well structured surveillance program. Activities such as landing fish with nets in known Quagga infested waters should be restricted. Fishing out of a private boat is not a high risk for the spread of invasive mussels if proper commonsense precautions are taken by the boat owner/angler.
For further information regarding our products, etc, feel free to contact us at: Sure-Life Laboratories, Inc. 1-800-846-6524
Sure-Life Laboratories, Inc. has been in business for 17 years. We are microbiologists in the fishing industry. Our various formulations have been scientifically formulated. Various published, independent studies have been conducted throughout the years. We are members of the American Fisheries Society.
Sincerely,
Lane Gergely
Sure-Life Labs
P.O. Box 590 Seguin, TX 78156
830-372-2239
Fax 830-372-1824
