Legislative and Regulatory Efforts to Minimize Expansion of Invasive Mussels Through Watercraft Movements

Abstract

In 2007, quagga mussels were found in the Lake Mead National Recreational Area. Since then, the Western states, with assistance from the federal government, have passed legislation, promulgated regulations, and implemented boat inspection programs and public outreach campaigns to prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels in the western United States through the movement of watercraft. This Article provides an overview of the quagga and zebra mussel invasion, including environmental and economic impacts, and highlights the recent legislative and regulatory efforts of Western states to slow the geographic expansion of dreissenid mussels. The Article concludes with a brief discussion of the ongoing challenges associated with zebra and quagga mussel prevention.