ISDA Warns About Zebra Mussels

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is alerting aquarium owners to inspect Marimo moss aquarium balls after invasive zebra mussels were detected in Washington earlier this month.  Zebra mussels were found on the product Marimo moss balls which was shipped to a wholesale aquarium company in Renton, WA.  Washington's Aquatic Invasive Species response team quickly disposed of the mussels and notified Idaho and other states of the detection.  ISDA staff have performed inspections at local pet and aquarium stores to ensure product being sold is clean. ISDA will continue to work to further identify retail distribution, collect effected products and ensure proper disposal. The amount of Marimo moss balls in Idaho are minimal, though the risk is still concerning.

ISDA recommends all aquarium owners carefully examine their own material for invasive species and follow steps to safely dispose of contaminated material.  Don’t Let it Loose! Do not dump aquarium tank water or dispose of moss balls in natural waterbodies or down drains.

Zebra mussels are a threat to Idaho and can quickly spread and clog pipes that deliver water for drinking, energy, agriculture, recreation, and a variety of other uses. These mussels can also negatively affect fish populations and wildlife habitat.  The last incident where zebra mussel-infested moss balls were found in Idaho occurred in 2021 which rapidly became an internationally scoped response, ultimately leading to federal policy changes. The 2021 incident, first starting in Seattle, grew in scope to include 41 states and nine Canadian provinces.

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