Invasive Mussels Found in Utah Lake

PAGE, Ariz. (AP) — More than 150 invasive mussels have been found at two marinas at Lake Powell over the last month. Officials with the National Park Service say the individual adult quagga mussels found at the Wahweap and Antelope Point marinas weren't close enough to successfully reproduce.

The mussels are being physically removed from the lake, which straddles the Arizona-Utah border. The mussels have multiplied quickly in other waterways across the West, clogging pipes and intakes, and depleting food sources used by aquatic creatures.

Glen Canyon Ecologist Mark Anderson says it's likely the mussels were introduced via ballast or bilge water from boats that were not cleaned, drained or dried. Officials say boats, docks and cables in the Wahweap Bay and Antelope Point areas will continue to be assessed by the park service and other dive teams.