Mussel-fouled boat caught at Anaconda

Invasive mussels were found on a boat stopped at an inspection station in Anaconda on Friday.

The boat, a cabin cruiser, was being transported from Ohio to Puget Sound. Fish, Wildlife and Parks inspectors reported many zebra mussels in its gimbal area, trim tabs and crevices. The boat was wrapped in shrink wrap and workers hot-washed the boat’s exterior to the best of their ability. However, they could not flush the motors, bilge pump or other parts of the boat where standing water can hold mussel larvae, as the driver did not own the boat and did not have keys.

Officials in Idaho and Washington were notified. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will follow up with the vessel to wash and possibly quarantine it.