US EditionInvasive Mussel Species Discovered on Boat at Oregon Inspection Station
First quagga mussel detection on an Oregon-bound boat in 2026 led to decontamination at Ashland station; 12 watercraft were treated for invasive species in 2025, officials said.
- Staff from the ODFW found invasive Quagga mussels on a motorboat arriving from Lake Havasu, Arizona, during an inspection at the Ashland Station on Saturday.
- Quagga mussels pose significant threats to native food chains and critical infrastructure, prompting the State to mandate that All Watercraft stop at open inspection Stations.
- ODFW Invasive Species Coordinator Keith DeHart noted crews historically decontaminated 12 watercraft and intercepted 295 others for biofouling, urging boaters to clean, drain, and dry vessels.
- Station crews successfully decontaminated the boat, marking the first 2026 interception, and the public can report sightings to the Oregon Invasive Species hotline at 1-866-INVADER.
- Neighboring Idaho has spent millions eradicating Quagga mussels from the Snake River, illustrating potential damage if the species establishes itself in Oregon waterways.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Invasive mussel species discovered on boat at Oregon inspection station
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon wildlife officials are urging caution after an invasive species of mussel was discovered on a motorboat in Ashland on Saturday. According to the Oregon Departme…
Invasive mussels found on boat entering Oregon from Arizona
ASHLAND, OR— Staff with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reported finding invasive quagga mussels on a motorboat entering the state earlier this month, marking the first such interception in 2026. According to ODFW, the mussels were discovered March 21 at the Ashland Boat Inspection Station on a vessel being transported from Lake Havasu, Arizona. The boat was decontaminated at the station, and all attached mussels were removed and disp…
ODFW checking for invasive species in Ontario, Umatilla, and more
EASTERN OREGON — If you’re coming into Eastern Oregon from out-of-state with your watercraft, don’t try to mussel your way through without stopping at an invasive species checkpoint. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have several of these checkpoints throughout the state, including the one off of I-84 at the Ontario Rest Area. Recently, at the Boat Inspection Station in Ashland, officials found invasive quagga mussels on a boat that was…
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