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On Sunday, June 27, watercraft inspection stations in eastern Montana intercepted two boats entering the state carrying invasive mussels, making it the 35th and 36th mussel-fouled boats intercepted this year. This surpasses the total number of 35 mussel-fouled boats intercepted in 2020.

Biologists led by the University of Iowa discovered the presence of the invasive New Zealand mud snail by detecting their DNA in waters they were inhabiting incognito. The researchers employed a technique called environmental DNA to reveal the snails' existence, showing the method can be used to detect and control new, unknown incursions by the snail and other invasive species.

A draft report by the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission shows that funding for watercraft inspection stations in the four Northwest states in 2020 remained nearly the same as levels spent in 2019. However, interceptions of small watercraft infested with zebra or quagga mussels at the states’ borders rose by 15 percent.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has filed emergency rules prohibiting the import of Marimo or moss balls infested with invasive zebra mussels.

Nearly 3,000 moss balls, which are suspected or confirmed to be contaminated with zebra mussels, have been seized or surrendered to British Columbia conservation officers as part of widespread efforts to stop the potential spread of the invasive species.

A citizen’s report of an invasive zebra mussel found in an aquarium moss package found in a pet store prompted a U.S. Geological Survey expert on invasive aquatic species to trigger nationwide alerts last week that have led to the discovery of the destructive shellfish in pet stores in at least 21 states from Alaska and the Northwest to Florida.

Managing invasive species--not eliminating them altogether--is a better use of time and conservation resources in many cases, according to a study led by a University of Alberta biologist.