So, you think you've found an invasive species. Now what?Report sightings to Oregon Invasive Species HotlineCall 1-866-INVADER or 1-866-468-2337 (tollfree in Oregon)To report a new location of an invasive species:
What we'd like to know about the species you found:
What we'd like to know about where you found this species:
SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN 
New Zealand Mudsnails Potamopyrgus antipodarumTracking the spread of mudsnails: The New Zealand mudsnail ( Potamopyrgus antipodarum [pictured above]) is a recent arrival to Oregon waters, is easily transported to new locations, but can be very difficult to spot in low densities. In order to efficiently track the distribution of these snails we rely on anglers, boaters and other outdoors people to report sightings of this tiny snail. For information on how to identify mudsnails please visit the mudsnail information page at Montana State University [click here]. 
Confirmed New Zealand mudnsnail locations in Oregon: New: 02/24/06 Coos Bay: Doris Place Boat Launch and Catching Slough Oregon Coast: Lower Rogue River, Gold Beach
Central Oregon: Lower Deschutes River: Eastern Oregon: Snake River
Signs warning people that areas are infested with New Zealand mudsnails are being printed and will be distributed as soon as possible. In the meantime park managers, etc. can download a .pdf version of the sign that can be used temporarily [here]. Preventing the Spread of New Zealand mudsnailsNew Zealand mudsnails are non-native aquatic snails threatening Oregon's rivers, streams, and lakes by competing with native invertebrates and may cause fish populations to decline. Due to their small size and ability to live out of water for several days, mudsnails are expert hitchhikers and anglers and boaters may be unintentionally spreading these harmful snails to new waters around the state. SIMPLE STEPS TO PREVENT FURTHER SPREAD
Chinese Mitten CrabUnusual crab could be found in Oregon estuaries and coastal freshwater systemsPortland State University is implementing a volunteer watch for mitten crabs, Eriocheir sp., along the Oregon and Washington coasts. The mitten crab [pictured below] is a catadramous species (i.e. its migration pattern is opposite that of species like salmon - it spends its juvenile life in freshwater streams returning to the estuary where it was born only to reproduce).
[USFWS image] No mitten crabs have been found in Oregon waters since 1996 when a single adult male was caught by a sturgeon fisherman in the Columbia River near Astoria. Mitten crabs are notorious bait stealers are are most likely to be spotted by anglers or other outdoor enthusiasts visiting the coast. Mitten crabs are not marine crabs like the familiar dungeness crab and are not likely to be found on ocean beaches or caught in crab traps. Rather, the mitten crab prefers fresh water and low salinity bays. The sharp eyes of private citizens will be especially helpful in our efforts to detect mitten crabs in Oregon waters before they become an established population. If you suspect that you've found a mitten crab use the above image and the following guide to mitten crab characteristics to determine that you have a mitten crab before you call. Many common shore and kelp crabs are easily confused with the mitten crab. If you think you have a mitten crab place it in a sealed plastic bag and store it in your freezer. Adult Characteristics (Courtesy of USFWS)
Juvenile Characteristics ("hairy" fur on claw often not present)
Identification Guide to Selected Crabs of the Pacific Coast [pdf] by Oregon Sea Grant.
Zebra Mussels and Quagga MusselsWhat do zebra and quagga mussels look like? Many kinds of aquatic pests, including both plants and animals, are easily carried by trailered boats. Zebra mussels are especially prone to this kind of transport due to their ability to attach to hard objects using a mass of sticky threads (called a bysus) to glue themselves to practically any hard surface: boat hulls, anchor chains, motors, wheel wells, rocks, wood, beer cans, crayfish, and native bivalves for example. [Click here for a boatwash poster in pdf developed for at risk marinas] BEFORE launching… and BEFORE leaving: If you see zebra mussels in the wild, you'll often find them attached in bunches or clusters, but they may not appear this way on your boat. In fact, it is possible that you may not see young zebra mussels with your naked eye. You should, however, be able to feel them by running your hand along the hull of your boat. A rough texture is a clue that zebra mussels may be attached to your boat. These should be removed with a power sprayer before launching your boat in other waters [Click here for more information on zebra mussels from the 100th Meridian Initiative]
Aquatic WeedsHow do they get here? How do I identify them?There are several online resources that can help you with aquatic plant identification (see below). Even if you aren't sure about the species you have collected these manuals can help you with the terminology used to describe aquatic plants. If you are still stuck sometimes we can make identifications on the phone. In other cases we'll need to see the species to confirm its identity. Aquatic plants can be wrapped in a damp paper towel, placed in a plastic bag and kept in the refridgerator. Please call us before you send us plant samples to be certain that someone is available to help you. Once decomposition begins plants are very difficult to identify and smell really bad! Wanted: Chinese mystery snailThanks to anecdotal reports, researchers in the Pacific Northwest believe that Cipangopaludina chinensis malleata (aka Viviparus malleatus), or the Chinese mystery snail, is more common than previosuly reported. The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs is launching a new project to map the distribution of this snail in Oregon and Washington. Please back for more information on this program as we get it up and running.
The Chinese mystery snail is a large (up to 65mm) freshwater snail commonly found for sale for use in freshwater aquariums and garden ponds.
If you think you have spotted this snail please collect a shell, note the name of the waterbody and the lat/long or specific location name (ex. North Access Road boat launch) and contact Robyn Draheim - draheim@pdx.edu or call 503-725-4994
Sightings Not Yet Reported on USGS Map: Oregon Basket Slough
Washington Medical Lake Liberty Lake Longview Lakamas Lake Green Lake Silver Lake Lake Doloff Lake Josephine on Anderson Island
LINKS AND REFERENCES: USGS NAS Website Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission Exotic Aquatics on the Move Report sightings to Oregon Invasive Species HotlineCall 1-866-INVADER or 1-866-468-2337 (tollfree in Oregon) |
Zebra mussels get their name from the striped pattern of their shells. However, the pattern varies greatly to where there are no stripes, only dark or light colored shells. Zebra mussels can grow to a maximum length of about 50 mm (5-10 mm in the first year) and live four to five years.
Zebra Mussels are usually about an inch or so long, but may be larger. When healthy, they attach to hard substrates much like marine mussels but unlike any native freshwater bivalve. They are often found in clusters
All water craft are potential vectors for spreading aquatic nuisance species. Voluntary boat and trailer inspections, particularly by boaters yourselves, are an essential part of preventing the inadvertent transfer of alien species from one water body to the next. 
Some aquatic weeds become established in the wild when people plant them to help stabilize river banks, release them to enhance wildlife in a pond or lake, or when they discard unwanted aquarium or pond plants. Water gardeners with ponds that are connected to streams or with systems prone to flooding are also contributing to the problem. Many plants that pose problems in the wild are available (both legally and illegally) for sale in the West and don't come with warnings about their pest potential. Other aquatic weeds are transported to new locations by recreational boaters who fail to remove vegetation from their boats and equipment before going to a new location or by dumping into the water the packing materials (often plants or algae) associated with live bait or live seafood.
[image from USGS] 