Arizona, Utah Lead Nation in Mussel Control Laws
Seventeen states attorneys general, their staffs, biologists and aquatic invasive species coordinators from throughout the west met recently in Phoenix to examine laws and regulations to help stop the spread of invasive mussels into the waterways.
National Park Service Aquatic Ecologist Mark Anderson from Lake Powell attended the meeting and said there is a big mix of laws throughout the states and one key element in stopping the spread of mussels is having the authority to hold a contaminated boat. He said that is a big reason Lake Powell has been so successful in preventing an infestation: “I’m pleased to say that Utah and Arizona are as good as it gets for the states.
The proper authorities are in place and that’s what allows us to take the steps we’ve taken.
It really makes sense. It goes back to the outreach we’ve got. As we’re working with these states to develop their laws, they’re well aware of the programs we have here and the challenges we’re facing and it’s clear what authorities are needed to make this strong. I would say Arizona and Utah have the best laws across the West.” Anderson said one thing was clear at the meeting was that the attorneys general were not aware of the issue and were learning about it for the first time.