Officers will inspect watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive mussels

The Division of Wildlife Resources will conduct administrative checkpoints for boaters and anglers across Utah this spring, summer and fall. At these checkpoints, officers will inspect watercraft and monitor compliance with the state's fishing regulations.

DWR officers will check boats for quagga and zebra mussels at checkpoints across Utah over the next few months. Boats that are carrying invasive mussels will be decontaminated.

Photo by Lynn Chamberlain, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Checkpoints will be near popular fishing and boating destinations or along roadways. Officers will focus on vehicles that are towing watercraft or carrying anglers.

Inspecting watercraft is part of the DWR's plan to prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels. These aquatic invasive species form dense colonies that encrust almost any underwater surface. Their spread could ruin critical water and power facilities in the state.

Officers will also collect information from anglers about the number, type and size of the fish they caught.

For more information about aquatic invasive species, visit wildlife.utah.gov and search for "Utah's AIS Management Plan."