INTRODUCTION
This proposal encompasses several key aspects vital to the prevention and detection of quagga
(Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) and zebra (Dreissenapolymorpha, collectively referred to as
Dreissenids) mussels in Arizona. Since the finding of quagga mussels in Lake Mead in 2007, this
invasive species has spread to and been detected in Lakes Pleasant, Mead, Mohave, Havasu, and the
Lower Colorado River below Havasu to the international boundary with Mexico. As of yet no zebra
mussels have been detected within the state although their eventual detection and possible spread
seems likely. The immediate threat of quagga and the potential threat of zebra mussels will have longterm, negative consequences for ecosystems, recreation, and water management in Arizona. Should
quagga mussels continue to spread into other waterways within the state the monetary impact to
water utilities and management agencies would be staggering and the ecological damage to native
aquatic species, sports fisheries, and ecosystems would likely be unfathomable. Native aquatic
organisms within Arizona and the Southwestern U.S. are already prone to a multitude of stressors
placed upon them and their habitat. Impoundment, altered flow regimes, groundwater pumping,
urbanization, climate change, and competition with non-native species all are factors leading to the
decline of native aquatic species within the region.
Perhaps the most vulnerable aspect of any plan geared toward preventing the spread and introduction
of Dreissenids, and likely several other AIS as well, is decontamination of boats and gear being
transported from one waterbody to another. Dreissenid mussel veligers are extremely small and one
female can produce up to one million eggs per year. Settling of veligers onto virtually any substrate
makes preventing their spread and detection extraordinarily difficult, yet inspection, detection, and
decontamination are still the optimal methods at preventing their spread and introduction. To perform
this task as efficiently as possible requires infrastructure in the way of equipment and training.
Coordination of agencies within Arizona is essential but coordination with other states will also play a
pivotal role in the success of preventing the spread and detection of Dreissenids. Aquatic invasive
species defy political and jurisdictional boundaries.
No state in the Western U.S. is more vulnerable to the spread of quagga and invasion by zebra mussels
than Arizona yet, until recently, most attempts at controlling their spread has been largely voluntary.
Although we applaud efforts by most recreationists in undertaking efforts to thwart the spread of
quagga mussels, much more needs to be done to ensure they do not become the financial and
ecological disaster they potentially could be. Recently, new Directors Orders (A.R.S. 17.255.01{B}) have
been implemented that makes decontamination of equipment by recreationists, primarily boaters,
mandatory. Although these new statutes are an essential first step in the detection and prevention of
quagga and zebra mussels, more financial and logistical support needs to be made available for them
to be as effective as possible at controlling, detecting, and preventing the spread of quagga and zebra
mussels within the state.
State agencies have primary jurisdictional and management authority of AIS including Dreissenids.
Arizona, however, currently has no approved AIS plan. Completion of this plan is vital in defining which
AIS should be considered priorities and cohesiveness of any action plan toward preventing their
introduction and spread. Such a plan is also vital in receiving federal support including funding.
Obviously Dreissenids will be a major component of any AIS plan for Arizona. This proposal includes
ideas for the completion of a state AIS plan for Arizona and applied and tested methodologies aimed at
preventing the spread and introductions of Dreissenids both within and into the state of Arizona.
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INCREASING CAPACITY TO ADDRESS INVASIVE MUSSELS
Arizona currently does not have a certified Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) plan. This has made
competing for federal grants and support difficult. Fortunately, colleagues at the University of Arizona
started drafting such a document a few years ago and it is currently being refined. Besides quagga and
zebra mussels, the only species currently listed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department as being
invasive, the revised AIS plan will include several other plant and animal species in a tiered fashion.
Obviously, however, this revised AIS plan will have zebra and quagga mussels as the highest priority
species of concern.
A certified AIS plan for Arizona would serve as a benchmark towards the detection, prevention and
control of many aquatic invasive species including quagga and zebra mussels. It would also serve as the
primary reference document for such efforts. Such a plan, however, would not remain static and must
be dynamic in order to address new threats to aquatic ecosystems by AIS within the state as they
arose. Strong interaction with other states and their representatives working with AIS will be required.
An AIS Plan for Arizona would facilitate the full implement of a coordinated strategy designed to
prevent new unintended introductions of AIS into the Colorado River and inland waters of the state, to
limit the spread of established populations of AIS into un-infested waters of the state, and to abate
harmful ecological, economic, social and public health impacts resulting from infestation of AIS.
Section 1204 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-646)
(NANPCA) requires that this management plan "identifies those areas or activities within the state,
other than those related to public facilities, for which technical and financial assistance is needed to
eliminate or reduce the environmental, public health and safety risks associated with aquatic nuisance
species." An AIS plan should focus on the identification of feasible, cost-effective management
practices and measures to be taken on by state and local programs to prevent and control AIS
infestations in a manner that is environmentally sound. The three main goals identified in such a plan
should be structured to be achieved through the implementation of strategic actions and tasks
designed to solve specific problems. The plan will be periodically revised and adjusted based upon the
practical experience gained from implementation, scientific research, and new tools, as they become
available.
An AIS Plan for Arizona would provide an opportunity for federal cost-share support for
implementation. Approval of this management plan by the national Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)
Task Force is also required for Arizona to be eligible for federal cost-share support. Freshwater
nonindigenous species that are known to have been found in Arizona, such as Dreissenids, will be
listed. Very little is known about the impact of many AIS and some have high commercial, recreational
and aesthetic values. The plan identifies a small number of priority AIS that are considered to be highly
detrimental, and worthy of immediate or continued management action. The management actions
outlined in this plan concentrate on these priority species especially Dreissenids.
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