(Boone)—The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says it’s found additional evidence of zebra mussels in East Lake Okoboji.
Kim Bogenschutz, the DNR’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program Director, says a mid-June sample from the lake revealed four zebra mussel veligers, which is the larval stage. She expects the number will increase in the July sampling, with warmer water temperatures. Bogenschutz says all lakes in the Iowa Great Lakes chain are being sampled monthly.
Zebra mussels are filter feeders that attach to underwater surfaces. They can interfere with aquatic food chains, kill native mussels and clog water intakes. There’s no way to get rid of them once they’ve infected a lake or river.
It is illegal to possess or transport prohibited aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels in Iowa. And beginning July 1st boaters will be required to drain all water from boats and equipment before leaving a body of water and keep drain plugs removed or open during transport.
