California Department of Fish and Wildlife Grant for Border Protection Station Study on Quagga/Zebra Mussels Vulnerability

There are numerous routes entering California from neighboring states that do not require a watercraft to pass through a Border Protection Station, thus they are not currently being inspected for the presence of quagga/zebra mussels.  These uninspected routes pose a vulnerability to the effective containment of quagga/zebra mussels.  This study will help assess this vulnerability of mussel transport and spread through these routes and is in alignment with the highest priority action items in Quagga Zebra Action Plan for Western Waters (QZAP) and the Safeguarding the West from Invasive Species Initiative.

The project will include: 1) develop, announce and establish a contract to conduct the study; 2) obtain necessary encroachment permits; 3) conduct a one-year traffic study; and 4) analyze data and create a final report.