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PARK RAPIDS, Minn. 鈥� The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species, in Fish Hook Lake north of Park Rapids.

In October, the DNR found zebra mussels in nearby Potato Lake, which is connected by a stream running south into Fish Hook Lake.

According to a representative from the Fish Hook Lake and River Association, DNR personnel checked the shoreline of Fish Hook Lake adjacent to this inlet from Potato Lake and photographed zebra mussels in both directions.

鈥淲hile only single adult mussels were photographed (no clusters), we will need to check further around the lake for evidence of their spread,鈥� the association鈥檚 representative wrote. 鈥淪o please check your dock and lift before returning them to the lake and let us know where you are and photograph the mussel.鈥�

1/3: Minnesota DNR personnel found single adult zebra mussels in several locations along the shore of Fish Hook Lake adjacent to the inlet from Potato Lake., including these small mussels clinging to pieces of docking equipment. Contributed / Fish Hook Lake & River Association

2/3: Minnesota DNR personnel found single adult zebra mussels in several locations along the shore of Fish Hook Lake adjacent to the inlet from Potato Lake., including these small mussels clinging to pieces of docking equipment. Contributed / Fish Hook Lake & River Association

3/3: Minnesota DNR personnel found single adult zebra mussels in several locations along the shore of Fish Hook Lake adjacent to the inlet from Potato Lake, including these small mussels clinging to pieces of docking equipment. Contributed / Fish Hook Lake & River Association

Gina Kemper, an invasive species specialist with Minnesota DNR Ecological and Water Resources, said DNR staff found adult zebra mussels on three of four docks they inspected within a 1.25-mile stretch.

鈥淗aving adult zebra mussels can confirm that a breeding/reproducing population is occurring in Fish Hook and Potato Lake,鈥� she said.

Kemper said zebra mussels will affect each water body differently.

鈥淶ebra mussels filter tiny food particles out of the water, which can reduce available food for larval fish and other animals and can increase aquatic plant growth as a result of increased water clarity,鈥� she said. 鈥�(They) encrust equipment, such as boat motors and hulls, which reduces performance and efficiency and is costly to clean and repair. Swimmers and pets can cut their feet on zebra mussels attached to rocks, docks, swim rafts and ladders. (They) attach to and kill native mussels.鈥�

Unfortunately, Kemper said, there is no way to reverse zebra mussel infestation, and there are no effective control measures at this time.

鈥淏ut, to prevent the spread of zebra mussels to other water bodies, lake users should ensure they are using the proper techniques of clean, drain, dry and dispose," she said.

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