National Invasive Species Awareness Week: Muscles for Mussels

March 1, 2024

... And A Call to Arms: Volunteer for the Zebra Mussel Settling Plate Project

With the recent discovery of invasive zebra mussel infestations so close to the Maine border in Canada, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is looking for volunteers to help with a pilot project to monitor for potential spread. If you live on or commonly recreate on lakes in the northern part of the state, you may be able to help!

Zebra mussel infestations can be easily monitored with a tool called settling plates, where zebra mussels may attach once past their larval stage. Routine visual checks of these settling plates by volunteers will allow quick detection of any new zebra mussel infestation. Volunteers should be prepared to monitor the plates every 2-3 weeks, May - October. The project can be completed by individuals, lake associations, businesses, or create your own group.

The Department is primarily looking for assistance in certain water bodies within Aroostook and Piscataquis counties. If you are interested in participating in this project on a water body outside of these lakes, you are encouraged to complete the form and provide the lake name and county. Form submissions will allow staff to determine the necessity of this program on that water body based on the threat zebra mussels may pose there and prioritize our resources accordingly. Thank you for your interest.

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Learn more about the project

What is Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife doing about zebra mussels?