For the first time, zebra mussel infestation has been found in Morrison County. The infestation was confirmed in Fish Trap Lake near Motley, Minnesota, said the Department of Natural Resources. On June 30, the mussels were found on a submerged tree branch.

Zebra mussel infestation was found on a submerged tree branch on June 30 in Fish Trap Lake near Motley, Minnesota. Upon investigation, a DNR specialist said that the large number of adult mussels is present in the water body.

Christine Jurek, DNR invasive species specialist in Sauk Rapids, said that the incident pinpoints that there is a need to carefully follow the state's rules with regard to prevention and curbing the spread of invasive species.

To prevent the invasion of such species, the state has made laws that require boaters to keep their boats clean. They need to remove weeds and debris from boats, drain plugs and dispose of unused boat in the trash.

Experts explained that the zebra mussel is a small fresh water mussel, which is native to the lakes of southern Russia. German zoologist Peter Simon Pallas detected it first time in 1769. But now, the species has been accidentally introduced in many areas and it has proved disastrous for the natural habitat.

The mussels can take away food from microscopic organisms. Seeing the amount of mussels present in the lake, it is said that their population is well established and reproduction is taking place across the county.

"This new infestation underscores the need for continued diligence in complying with the state's laws to prevent and curb the spread of invasive species", said Christine Jurek, DNR invasive species specialist.

The incident has led the authorities to increase annual inspection on boats from 1,500 to 3,100 inspection hours.