Quagga in DC

[sharksugar101]

They found Quagga mussels in Deer Creek. Don't know if anybody knows but they are called veligers. They are microscopic juveniles, but they don't think they will take off because they can't reproduce in water under 50 degrees. They said there is a chance though so you have to decontaminate your boat before you leave now. Just a heads up. I didn't know but some of you probably do.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Thanks for the news, even if it is bad news.... The invasion picks up speed..... J
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[wagdog]

Yeah I just saw the update on the DWR's facebook page. Good to get the info passed around. No one wants an infestation in Deer Creek.
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[MasterDaad]

With Lake Powell infested and Surf Boats using soft ballast tanks that do not completely empty, all the local waters used by the Power Squadron are going to get infected very quickly unless something VERY drastic is done.

I speak as an avid Surfer.... and as an optimist.

We're DOOMED.
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[TT600]

Deer Creek gets a lot of traffic from Powell boats. A LOT. Same with Sand Hollow.
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[300win]

That is such a bummer. I love fishing there in the spring. I have never fished in infected water before. I guess I am going to find out how the decontamination process works.
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[TrulineRick]

+2 I Live in Draper and enjoy the quick trips there. Hope it's true about their 50 degree and under theory.
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[cje04]

It's not good to hear this. Hopefully they don't take hold.
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[americanforkdude]

So is there a decontamination station at the reservoir now or do you have to go somewhere else? Also, do you have to decontaminate this time of year? Was actually thinking of taking the boat up there this weekend. Any info is appreciated.
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[Fishrmn]

[quote americanforkdude]Also, do you have to decontaminate this time of year? [/quote]

Yes.

http://wildlife.utah.gov/wildlife-news/1...creek.html

(b) "Decontaminate" means to:

(i) Self-decontaminate equipment or a conveyance that has been in an infested water in the previous 30 days by:

(A) removing all plants, fish, mussels and mud from the equipment or conveyance;

(B) draining all water from the equipment or conveyance, including water held in ballast tanks, bilges, livewells, and motors; and

© drying the equipment or conveyance for no less than 7 days in June, July and August;18 days in September, October, November, March, April and May; [red]30 days in December, January and February; or expose the equipment or conveyance to sub-freezing temperatures for 72 consecutive hours; or[/red]

(ii) Professionally decontaminate equipment or a conveyance that has been in an infested water in the previous 30 days by:

(A) Using a professional decontamination service approved by the division to apply scalding water (140 degrees Fahrenheit) to completely wash the equipment or conveyance and flush any areas where water is held, including ballast tanks, bilges, livewells, and motors.

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[sharksugar101]

Yip, just a matter of time and the mussels will be everywhere.
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[sharksugar101]

Don't think there is a station up there yet, and yes you should decontaminate in any infected waters no matter what time of year.
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[Kent]

[quote sharksugar101]

They are microscopic juveniles, but they don't think they will take off because they can't reproduce in water under 50 degrees.

[/quote]

True, but the water temperature will only be under 50 degrees until spring.
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[Troll]

This applies to tubes, toons and kayaks as well. All watercraft. It also should be done to waders used in the water with a toon or tube.

140 is pretty hot, more than any typical carwash I have ever used. It takes a real Hotsy type with a separate water heater to produce that temperature of water. The hot water is basically cooking the larvae to death.
They start at about $2500 for a cheap one.
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[OCF]

Thank God I am retired! I can at least hit DC during the middle of the week. Can you imagine how long it is going to take to decontaminate all of the boats coming off that reservoir in July? I wonder if State Parks will limit the number of boats on the reservoir, so they can handle all the required boat decontaminations when everyone comes off the lake at once in the p.m. or when the wind kicks up? (Better pack a lot of beverage and sandwiches!)
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[Therapist]

Every one is dreaming if they think that the mussels will not reproduce in DC. Remember where they are coming from here in the US, the Great Lakes !!! I guarantee that the water temp there gets below 50 degrees and the infestation is rampant. Cold water does not stop them, only the 140 degree water.

The power squadron will hopefully get a clue and work with DWR to limit the spread of these buggers. It is really that people don't take the threat seriously and don't take the steps to decontaminate their boats and equipment.

I wonder how much it will cost to pressure wash TD's tube????

[ifishutah]

In the DWR article it mentions that UT lake has been tested for years and will continue to be tested and isn't positive for the veligers that are in DC. I have a hard time believing that DC has Quaggas and UT lake doesn't. The same crowds that hit DC frequent UT lake as well.

Plus UT lake is downstream from DC making it the next logical lake to become infected with quaggas.

As far as the veligers in DC go, if they are present by the dam what is to stop them from developing into mussels and then reproducing? Am I missing something?


Anyway you look at this, it's going to be a giant pain in the keister for Utah.
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[pacscrumhalf]

I don't know about the 50 degree theory because the quagga and zebra mussels tore through the entire Great Lakes with abandon and those lakes are freezing.
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[ifishutah]

Speaking of tubes, how do the bladders hold up to 140 degree water? Anyone have experience with that?
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[albinotrout]

[quote ifishutah]Speaking of tubes, how do the bladders hold up to 140 degree water? Anyone have experience with that?[/quote]

Contact the manufacturer of your tube/toon.
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