Hopefully quagga or zebra mussels never make it to the Columbia
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Researchers from Portland State University say the Columbia River has suitable conditions for invasive freshwater mussels to grow if they get a toehold.
The researchers told the Northwest Power and Conservation Council on Thursday that the water chemistry and temperatures are suitable for quagga and zebra mussels to grow if they get introduced.
The Willamette River is marginal due to lower calcium levels. The researchers are also experimenting with paints that would make it tougher for the mussels to form thick crusty mats on submerged surfaces.
The mussels have wreaked havoc on docks, dams, and freshwater ecosystems from the Great Lakes to the Southwest, but so far have not invaded the Northwest.
Oregon and other states inspect boats crossing their borders to prevent an invasion.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
Hanford leak ought to stop the invasive species and better border security with other invasive species
Given peoples propencity for not following safety protocols, I'd say it's not a matter of 'if', but rather 'when'.Â
While we love to speak of these things in terms like 'invasive species', they are actually just living organisms. When they end up somewhere there are no naturally occuring opposing organisms, they thrive. It's happened with plants (the now common in the NW scotch broom), with animals (florida is still trying to grapple with it's new python residents) and with maritime species.Â
The funny part about it is that ODFW and such organizations are busy focusing on either recreational boaters or errant tsunami jetsom, and meanwhile (literally) millions of tons of freight go through ports all over the west coast every day with little to no physical inspections of the hull. As I said, it's not really a matter of 'if', it's a matter of 'when'.Â
To borrow a quote from Michael Crichton;
"If there's one thing the history of evolution has taught us, it's that life will not be contained. Life breaks free, it expands to new territories, and crashes through barriers painfully, maybe even dangerously, but, uh, well, there it is."
"The mussels have wreaked havoc on docks, dams, and freshwater ecosystems..."
 Sounds like mussels on steroids.
"Oregon and other states inspect boats crossing their borders to prevent an invasion."
I have never had my boat inspected at the border. What are they talking about?
@RalphCramden Have you crossed from CA in the last few years? http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/invasive_species/docs/2013%20Locations%20of%20Watercraft%20Inspection%20Stations%20in%20Oregon.pdf
@ChrisJ82
Crossed there last month 3 different times. Twice with my boat. I come through pretty late at night.
@RalphCramden your supposed to.. passing them is a big fine
@iamright555
I have never seen one. I come through Lakeview quite a bit and have never seen an inspection station. There is one going into California but not the other way around.
give it time, they will become attached the NW
Apathy on the part of the boat owner should be rewarded with fines and jail time.
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