What is it? Nothing we want in our lake. Zebra mussels similar to this were recently discovered in Farm Island Lake. Not the news we wanted to hear this month.
Zebra Mussels
Now found in Farm Island Lake
On Thursday, June 11, the MN DNR confirmed zebra mussels in Farm Island Lake in Aitkin County....a mere few miles from our Lone Lake.
A Farm Island lake property owner, fishing on the lake, found the adult zebra mussel on vegetation attached to a boat anchor. The resulting investigation revealed zebra mussel larva. These larvae, also known as veliger, may "indicate a reproducing population of zebra mussels is established in the lake".
While individual zebra mussels were found in Farm Island Lake in 2018 and 2019, the DNR was unable to find the veligers. The vigilance of lake users who contact the agency when they find what may be invasive species is what helps everyone in the DNR and on the lake learn more about what is in their lake.
Zebra mussels are native to Eastern Europe and Russia. They arrived in North America in the Great Lakes with shipping vessels. Scientists know that zebra mussels cause an increase in toxic blue-green algae. These decaying algae can decrease oxygen supplies which kills fish. They may coat surfaces with razor-sharp shells and block water intake valves or take plankton from fish.
While many boats on Lone Lake do not travel to other lakes, others commonly do for fishing or recreational purposes. Please follow the recommended 'CDD' whenever your boat leaves our lake.
Clean your watercraft and trailer of aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
Drain all water by removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
Docks, lifts, and other marine equipment must also be checked and cleaned. If buying or selling from another lake, please allow the equipment to be out of the lake for at least five days (others recommend 30 days) before moving to other waters.
This is too close for comfort. We must improve our vigilance for all invasive species if we want to keep our lake clean.
Click here for more information on zebra mussels