Mussels in the Moss Balls!
Mussels in the moss balls might sound like a catchy Celtic fiddle tune, but it isn't! Newsletter readers are well aware that zebra mussels are one of the most insidious aquatic invasive species. They are small and, if undetected, can enter watersheds where they wreak havoc.
The Columbia River is the only major watershed not infested with these sneaky invaders. The State of Montana has a rigorous inspection program for boats coming west of the divide, and we have already dodged a number of bullets. However, these and other pests can get into our rivers via other avenues, too.
BRTU President Jeremy sits on the the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission which deals with aquatic invasive species (AIS). On March 4, Jeremy forwarded an alarming alert from the US Fish and Wildlife Service that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists were notified this week that zebra mussels were found attached and inside moss balls sold as aquarium plants. The report came from a Seattle PetCo employee who found zebra mussels attached and inside “Betta Buddy Marimo Ball” moss plants. Once alerted, several other states have reported the presence of both live and dead zebra mussels at other retailers.
."Invasive zebra mussels found another avenue for potential infestation of Montana waters. Zebra mussels have been found in aquarium moss balls sold at pets store in Montana and cross the nation. Anyone who has recently purchased moss balls is urged to follow these recommendations from the USGS or call 406-444-2440.
It appears these moss balls were imported from Ukraine to a distributor in California and were shipped to pet stores nationwide. The facility that imports the moss balls has been quarantined and all shipments of moss balls have been stopped.
A moss ball is a species of green algae that is formed into a ball and is 2 to 5 inches in diameter. Moss balls are purchased for home aquariums to help absorb harmful nutrients in the water and limit the growth of undesirable algae.
All of the mussels detected in Montana so far have been dead shells. However, live mussels were found on moss balls in Oregon and Idaho.
FWP is working closely with other states and Federal agencies to address this nation-wide issue.
If you have recently purchased moss balls, remove them from the water, place them in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. Additional guidance for addressing potential mussels in aquariums and how to treat tank water will be available soon. Please don’t dispose of your aquarium tank water in your household drain.
This is another reminder to never dump aquarium tank pets, plants, or water into Montana’s waterways. It is illegal to release fish and other aquarium pets into natural waterways. If you can’t keep your pet, find someone else who can adopt it, turn it in to a pet store or humane society, or euthanize it.
Aquarium plants can impact native aquatic plant and animal species. Let unwanted plants dry and then dispose in the garbage.
Aquarium water can harbor pathogens and diseases. Dispose of tank water on the ground away from waterways.
If you have any questions, contact Jeremy or call the MFWP Aquatic Invasive species hotline: 406-444-2440."