FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) - Jessica Howell, the aquatic nuisance species coordinator for the North Dakota Game & Fish Department, says monthly sampling for zebra mussels' larvae in the Red River has turned up low numbers of the called veligers this summer. She says that's good news in the short-term but expects the numbers will eventually increase.
Howell says the samples have found more adult mussels than in previous years, but she says the numbers are still considered "low density", with one exception. That's at a Wahpeton area industrial company which reported high amounts of Zebra mussels in Red River water pumped into their ponds. Howell declined to name the business.
Among the many problems caused by zebra mussels is expensive damage to water intake pipes if not held in check. zebra mussels were first discovered in the Red River in 2011 and have been found in limited numbers as far north as Drayton.
