The Bureau of Reclamation is reminding boaters to take extra precautions in the coming months to ensure they do not transport invasive mussels from infested water bodies in neighboring states into New Mexico waters. Zebra and Quagga mussels can attach to all recreational watercraft and equipment and cause significant damage to aquatic ecosystems, water system infrastructure, and aquatic recreational equipment. Mature mussels attached to watercraft or trailers and mussel larvae in water left in boat engines, bilges, live wells, and hulls, can be transported and spread to other water bodies. Mussels are prolific breeders and attach themselves to hard and soft surfaces, such as dams, boats and aquatic plants. Mussel infestations can lead to potential boating closures in affected waterways, and their spread could result in millions of dollars in damage to water storage and delivery facilities.

Reclamation continues to work closely with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's State Parks Division, and the Army Corps of Engineers to educate boaters, monitor for Aquatic Invasive Species and assist with boat inspections and cleaning during holiday weekends at some New Mexico reservoirs.

Monthly testing at Reclamation reservoirs in New Mexico resumed on March 22 and will continue through next fall. Presently no waterbody in New Mexico is considered infested. In August 2010, routine tests raised concerns at Sumner Reservoir. Subsequent tests were negative, but this event illustrates the need for boaters to follow all instructions for prevention.

Boaters should clean, drain and dry their watercraft before launching in any body of water. For more information on mussels and how to properly clean your boat, please visit: www.wildlife.state.nm.us, under "Quick Links" click on the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers stop-sign graphic. If needed, Reclamation has purchased three mobile decontamination units for use at Elephant Butte Reservoir and in the Rio Chama and Pecos River basins. The units would be operated by authorized and trained personnel.