Understanding the known behavior and potential threats associated with zebra mussels is critical to keeping Weatherby Lake free from infestation.
Be a good steward of Weatherby Lake. Educate yourself. Educate your family. Educate your Friends!
Together, we make a difference!
What is a zebra mussel?
It is an invasive species with limited natural predators that when introduced into a watershed destroys entire eco systems, food webs and waterways.
How did Zebra Mussels get into US waterways?
Zebra Mussels were introduced into the Great Lakes area about 1985 / 1986 when transoceanic ships discharged infected ballast water into Lake St. Clair. They were then spread to other waterways, lakes and rivers by “hitch-hiking” on infected watercraft or equipment.
How do Zebra Mussels spread?
Zebra Mussels are spread in their immature form as veligers which are not visible to the naked eye and are transported in anything that is absorbent. They also spread as adults by attaching to boat hulls, engines, aquatic weeds and any hard surface submerged in infested waters . Veligers are microscopic (smaller than the size of the dot above the i) and may be able to survive in any residual water source, including water in a boat’s live well, bait buckets, absorbent lifejackets, , fishing gear, ropes or anchor lines. Adult mussels are very hardy and can survive out of water for extended periods depending on temperature, humidity and sunlight.
When are Zebra Mussels active?
Zebra Mussels are a danger for 12 months of the year. They start their breeding cycle when the water temperature reaches about 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Zebra Mussels start to reproduce after about one year of growth.
What resources did the W.L.I.C. consult when establishing Zebra Mussel policies and prevention tactics?
The Stream Team referred to known best practices and contacted a large number of expert sources, including but not limited to: the National Parks Service, the US Geological Survey, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the MO Department of Conservation, the KS Department of Conservation, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Clay County Department of Natural Resources, as well as many credible web sites, including www.100thMeridian.org, www.mdc.mo.gov, www.ProtectYourWaters.net.
How can I personally prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels?
All Weatherby Lake members will be required to designate all watercraft and equipment for use exclusively at Weatherby Lake if they wish to use it in Weatherby Lake. Equipment shall include all boats, motors, docks, lifts, trailers, and shall also include any absorbent property, toys or incidental equipment used in or about the water (including but not limited to life jackets, bait buckets, fishing gear, water toys, noodles, tow ropes, inner tubes, anchor lines, etc.).
If your watercraft has been in any body of water outside of Weatherby Lake, you must designate it for exclusive Weatherby Lake use and then:
Is it true that waterfowl can spread Zebra Mussels?
Experts say it is considered to be extremely unlikely that waterfowl would spread Zebra Mussels. Feathers are typically water proof and not absorbent reducing the risk that veligers can grow to adults. There are no known cases to date of waterfowl having live adult zebra mussels attached to their bodies. There are also no indications that migrating birds living in estuaries have caused any of those waterways to be infested with Zebra Mussels.
Where is it safe for me to buy bait that isn’t contained in infested water?
Bait dealer/sellers in the State of Missouri are regulated by the MO Department of Conservation. Bait has to be certified that it has been tested, cleaned and washed before delivery. Burton’s bait store in Smithville and Minnesota Bait Company in Kansas City are both registered bait dealers through the Conservation Department and obtain their bait through a certified dealer in Arkansas.
How does Weatherby Lake ensure that there are no Zebra Mussels in the water when fish stocking?
Weatherby Lake stocks Walleye, Catfish, Minnows, Bluegill and Red Ear that are purchased through Wallace Fish Farms. Trout are supplied through Crystal Lakes Fisheries. Both vendors are subject to strict testing, certification and registration procedures by the State of Missouri.
How can Weatherby Lake prevent getting Zebra Mussels?
If ever introduced into Weatherby Lake, Zebra Mussels cannot be effectively and economically eradicated. Once we get them, we may have them forever. While scientists and marine biologists are investigating potential solutions, they believe they are at least ten years from any effective resolution, and even then, the remedy may be cost-prohibitive. Prevention is the key and educating yourself and your guests will ensure we reduce our risk.
What nearby Missouri waterways are already infested with Zebra Mussels?
Missouri Lakes
NOTE: All rivers that flow from these impoundments are impacted
NOTE: All rivers that flow from these impoundments are impacted
Reservoirs/Lakes
•Lake Miola (Paola City Lake)
•Lake Shawnee
•Lake Wabaunsee
•Marion Reservoir
•Melvern Reservoir
•Milford Reservoir
•Perry Reservoir
•Pomona Reservoir
•Wellington City Lake
•Wilson Reservoir
•Winfield City Lake
•Wyandotte County Lake
It is an invasive species with limited natural predators that when introduced into a watershed destroys entire eco systems, food webs and waterways.
How did Zebra Mussels get into US waterways?
Zebra Mussels were introduced into the Great Lakes area about 1985 / 1986 when transoceanic ships discharged infected ballast water into Lake St. Clair. They were then spread to other waterways, lakes and rivers by “hitch-hiking” on infected watercraft or equipment.
How do Zebra Mussels spread?
Zebra Mussels are spread in their immature form as veligers which are not visible to the naked eye and are transported in anything that is absorbent. They also spread as adults by attaching to boat hulls, engines, aquatic weeds and any hard surface submerged in infested waters . Veligers are microscopic (smaller than the size of the dot above the i) and may be able to survive in any residual water source, including water in a boat’s live well, bait buckets, absorbent lifejackets, , fishing gear, ropes or anchor lines. Adult mussels are very hardy and can survive out of water for extended periods depending on temperature, humidity and sunlight.
When are Zebra Mussels active?
Zebra Mussels are a danger for 12 months of the year. They start their breeding cycle when the water temperature reaches about 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Zebra Mussels start to reproduce after about one year of growth.
What resources did the W.L.I.C. consult when establishing Zebra Mussel policies and prevention tactics?
The Stream Team referred to known best practices and contacted a large number of expert sources, including but not limited to: the National Parks Service, the US Geological Survey, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the MO Department of Conservation, the KS Department of Conservation, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Clay County Department of Natural Resources, as well as many credible web sites, including www.100thMeridian.org, www.mdc.mo.gov, www.ProtectYourWaters.net.
How can I personally prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels?
All Weatherby Lake members will be required to designate all watercraft and equipment for use exclusively at Weatherby Lake if they wish to use it in Weatherby Lake. Equipment shall include all boats, motors, docks, lifts, trailers, and shall also include any absorbent property, toys or incidental equipment used in or about the water (including but not limited to life jackets, bait buckets, fishing gear, water toys, noodles, tow ropes, inner tubes, anchor lines, etc.).
If your watercraft has been in any body of water outside of Weatherby Lake, you must designate it for exclusive Weatherby Lake use and then:
- CLEAN your vessel using 140 F hot water at the WLIC wash station
- DRAIN all water from live wells, engine intakes, bilges, etc. and flush with hot water
- DRY your vessel in the quarantine lot (length of drying time determined by weather conditions and time of year (up to 30 days, as specified by WLIC)
- DUMP any unused bait in the trash, NOT in the Lake
Is it true that waterfowl can spread Zebra Mussels?
Experts say it is considered to be extremely unlikely that waterfowl would spread Zebra Mussels. Feathers are typically water proof and not absorbent reducing the risk that veligers can grow to adults. There are no known cases to date of waterfowl having live adult zebra mussels attached to their bodies. There are also no indications that migrating birds living in estuaries have caused any of those waterways to be infested with Zebra Mussels.
Where is it safe for me to buy bait that isn’t contained in infested water?
Bait dealer/sellers in the State of Missouri are regulated by the MO Department of Conservation. Bait has to be certified that it has been tested, cleaned and washed before delivery. Burton’s bait store in Smithville and Minnesota Bait Company in Kansas City are both registered bait dealers through the Conservation Department and obtain their bait through a certified dealer in Arkansas.
How does Weatherby Lake ensure that there are no Zebra Mussels in the water when fish stocking?
Weatherby Lake stocks Walleye, Catfish, Minnows, Bluegill and Red Ear that are purchased through Wallace Fish Farms. Trout are supplied through Crystal Lakes Fisheries. Both vendors are subject to strict testing, certification and registration procedures by the State of Missouri.
How can Weatherby Lake prevent getting Zebra Mussels?
If ever introduced into Weatherby Lake, Zebra Mussels cannot be effectively and economically eradicated. Once we get them, we may have them forever. While scientists and marine biologists are investigating potential solutions, they believe they are at least ten years from any effective resolution, and even then, the remedy may be cost-prohibitive. Prevention is the key and educating yourself and your guests will ensure we reduce our risk.
What nearby Missouri waterways are already infested with Zebra Mussels?
Missouri Lakes
- Barber Lake
- Bull Creek
- Bull Shoals Lake
- Lake Lotawana
- Lake Niangua
- Lake of Ozarks
- Lake Taneycomo
- Pomme De Terre Lake (Suspected)
- Truman Lake (Whole Lake)
- Smithville Lake
- Little Platte River
- Meramec
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Osage River
- Osage State Fishing Lake
NOTE: All rivers that flow from these impoundments are impacted
- Cedar Bluff Reservoir
- Cheney Reservoir
- Clinton Reservoir
- Coffey County Lake
- Council Grove Reservoir
- Council Grove City Lake
- El Dorado Reservoir
- Hillsdale Lake
- Jeffrey Energy Make-Up and Auxiliary Lakes
- Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake)
- John Redmond Reservoir
- Kanapolis Reservoir
- Wilson Reservoir
- Lake Afton
- Lake Miola (Paola)
- Lake Shawnee
- Lake Wabaunsee
- Marion Reservoir
- Melvern Reservoir
- Milford Reservoir
- Perry Reservoir
- Pomona Reservoir
- Wellington Lake
- Wilson Reservoir
- Winfield City Lake
- Wyandotte County Lake
NOTE: All rivers that flow from these impoundments are impacted
Reservoirs/Lakes
•Lake Miola (Paola City Lake)
•Lake Shawnee
•Lake Wabaunsee
•Marion Reservoir
•Melvern Reservoir
•Milford Reservoir
•Perry Reservoir
•Pomona Reservoir
•Wellington City Lake
•Wilson Reservoir
•Winfield City Lake
•Wyandotte County Lake