Game & Fish Zebra mussels found in several Wyoming pet stores By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game & Fish An invasive mussel that poses a serious threat to Wyoming’s natural resources and water systems has been found in a number of pet stores across the state. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in a variety of moss balls, a product sold at many aquarium and pet supply stores. Game and Fish is urging anyone who has this product to carefully dispose of it and aquarium water immediately. Proper disposal is essential to help mitigate the potentially catastrophic effects mussels could have for the state. “Zebra mussels are an extremely destructive aquatic invasive species,” said Game and Fish Chief of Fisheries Alan Osterland. “Once they become established in reservoirs, lakes or even city water systems, they wreak havoc. They remove nutrients from water, clog pipes and waterways, damage boats and out-compete native mussels. Further, in many cases, zebra mussels are impossible to remove and could have costly impacts for Wyoming.” A moss ball is a popular tank decoration made of a green filamentous algae used to oxygenate the water. It’s important that anyone who has purchased a moss ball closely follow the recommended steps for disposal. To dispose:
office or local warden. • Boil the moss balls, plants and any water it’s been in contact with for at least five minutes • Dispose of the moss ball and other plants in trash. • Pour out the boiled water on a semi-permeable surface. That could be a houseplant or outside — like grass or soil — that is not located near standing water or a storm drain. Do not flush the moss ball or pour aquarium water down any drains, toilets or into nearby water sources like a local
If so, DO NOT... Don’t release your aquarium critters or plants into the wild by dumping them in a river or lake.
• Inspect the moss ball and tank for zebra mussels and if you find any contact your local Game and Fish regional
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What? Moss balls are a popular plant choice for aquariums and decorative displays. But they also can be carriers of zebra mussels, which if detected in Wyoming’s waters, could have catastrophic impacts to the water, the biodiversity of the area, recreation, municipalities and water users.
Why?
Don’t dump the tank water in the toilet, down the sink or in the sewer system.
Moss balls have been found to contain an invasive mussel that would be catastrophic to Wyoming waters. If you have purchased a moss ball, please see instructions below on how to safely dispose of the ball and any water it came in contact with.
If you have a moss ball, please follow these steps to keep Wyoming’s waters free of zebra mussels. STEP 1
STEP 2 Remove any pets from the water and tank.
STEP 4
STEP 3 Remove the moss ball, other plants and any water from the aquarium and put them into a heat-safe pot. Do not dispose of any water down the drain or toilet.
• Remove any pets from the water and tank. • Remove the moss ball, other plants and any water from the aquarium and put them into a heat-safe pot. Do not dispose of any water down the drain or toilet.
pond or creek. These actions could spread zebra mussels throughout the water system. “We are urging folks to take extra precautions and please follow these disposal instructions. It’s essential for our state’s fisheries, wildlife and communities that these steps are followed. It will be key to mitigating the potential impacts Wyoming now faces,” Osterland said. Anyone who finds zebra mussels in their tank must call the local Game and Fish regional office so a representative can collect the sample. Possessing any aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as zebra mussels, is illegal, and people are
STEP 5 Boil the moss balls, plants and any water it’s been in contact with for at least five minutes.
Inspect the moss ball and tank for zebra mussels and if you find any contact your local Game and Fish regional office.
STEP 6
Dispose of the moss ball and other plants in trash.
Pour out the boiled water on a semipermeable surface. That could be a houseplant or outside — like grass or soil — that is not located near standing water or a storm drain.
Anyone who finds zebra mussels in their tank should call the local Game and Fish regional office so a representative can collect the sample.
