Last week, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) confirmed the presence of Zebra Mussels, an invasive mollusk species, in Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas near Lead Hill.

This marks the first documented occurrence of Zebra Mussels in north-central Arkansas, dating back to 2007. The discovery has raised concerns as Zebra Mussels can cause various ecological problems and harm native aquatic life. 

Zebra Mussels are known for their rapid proliferation and destructive impact on aquatic ecosystems. Although their numbers in Bull Shoals Lake have been somewhat controlled due to high fluctuations in water levels in recent years, other waterbodies have not been as fortunate. They have been known to smother native mussels, clog intake pipes, and attach themselves to boats and docks in such densities that equipment becomes inoperable. Furthermore, Zebra Mussels compete with young fish and shad by filtering out the microscopic food these species rely on for sustenance.

While Bull Shoals Lake has seen the presence of Zebra Mussels, there has been no official documentation of their occurrence in Beaver, Greers Ferry, Norfork, or Table Rock Lakes. To monitor the situation closely, biologists in north-central Arkansas have taken proactive measures, deploying Zebra Mussel detection plates at eight marinas near popular boat ramps on Norfork Lake since 2018. These detection plates serve as monitoring devices to detect the presence of Zebra Mussels in a water body. In a recent check of the detection plates on Norfork Lake, no Zebra Mussels were found.

To reduce the risk of transporting Zebra Mussels from infested waters, boat owners are urged to remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat, motor, and trailer. It is required by law to remove drain plugs at the boat ramp and allow all water to drain. Boat owners should also wash their boats and trailers with high-pressure, hot water if possible. In addition to cleaning exterior surfaces, owners should clean all live wells, bilge pumps, ballast tanks and other areas that hold or pump water. Once completed, allow the boat and trailer to dry. These few steps will help ensure other water bodies do not become infested with Zebra Mussels.

If anyone discovers Zebra Mussels, contact the AGFC Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Program Coordinator at 501-604-0485.

The transportation of Zebra Mussels in Arkansas is illegal and transporting them across state lines is a Federal offense.

For more information on Zebra Mussels and other aquatic nuisance species found in Arkansas, visit AGFC Aquatic Nuisance Species page on our website where information can be found on what ANS have been observed in the state, find images and profile information on each species, and use the online ANS reporting tool to report an observed aquatic nuisance species.

(Release from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission posted by KTLO)