After detecting zebra mussel larvae in routine sampling, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels on the extreme eastern portion of Lake Sakakawea.
Ben Holen, department aquatic nuisance species coordinator said, “Follow-up sampling found two adult mussels along the northern shoreline near the Highway 83 Embankment.”
While current findings suggest the infestation is isolated to the far eastern stretch of the reservoir, Game and Fish personnel, working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will conduct expanded surveys in the coming days to delineate the infested area.
Officials note that falling water temperatures this fall greatly reduce the immediate risk of zebra mussel spread. The department will work with stakeholders over the winter to refine appropriate rules and implement best management practices to mitigate the spread of mussels before next year’s boating season.
For more information on aquatic nuisance species, or to report a suspected sighting, visit gf.nd.gov/ans.
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