Quagga Mussel Population Continues To Drop In Idaho's Snake River

There’s encouraging news in Idaho’s fight against invasive quagga mussels.

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture says extensive sampling shows 77% fewer quagga mussel larvae, known as veligers, in the Snake River compared to this time last year. More than 420 samples have been collected in the infested area this year, with more than 3,000 statewide.

ISDA said the decline shows previous treatments are working, and the agency is increasing targeted diving and detection efforts while the infestation remains limited. A new, multiphase treatment is scheduled to begin in the Snake River’s infested area during the last week of August.

“Other states have shown us what happens when invasive mussel infestations are allowed to establish before action is taken,” said Governor Brad Little. “Those delayed responses have resulted in significant long-term management costs coming directly out of taxpayer pockets. Idaho has set the standard by responding aggressively. Our responsible strategy on the Snake River is proving to be effective, and we will continue making decisions that give us the best opportunity to eliminate quagga mussels to protect Idaho’s waters and the people who depend on them.”

ISDA says its goal remains full eradication of quagga mussels.

“We know what is at stake if invasive mussels gain a foothold in Idaho,” said ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt. “Our previous treatments have proven to be effective, and this level of containment is unprecedented among known quagga mussel infestations. No other state has a proven playbook for how to accomplish this work. Idaho is charting new territory with our eradication effort.”

Learn more about the ISDA's efforts by visiting the Department's Website.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com