NOTICE - As you are probably aware, the quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) is in town. Quagga mussels were identified in Lake Mead and Lake Mead Hatchery early in January 2007. Since then, NDOW Fisheries staff have pursued alternative solutions ranging from the immediate and obvious challenge of what to do with the fish growing at Lake Mead Hatchery, to long term solutions involving clean water delivery and eventual return to normal trout production at Lake Mead Hatchery.

After first discovering this aquatic nuisance species at the hatchery, all stocking of fish from this facility was immediately suspended. Within a few weeks, and in cooperation with partner agencies, stocking of exposed waters commenced using a stocking protocol that mitigated the risk of transfer.

Now that Lake Mead Hatchery is void of trout, the entire facility will be examined and disinfected. Hatchery personnel are dismantling pipes, pumps, and water delivery systems throughout the facility to expose all areas of possible contamination. The first phase of this solution is to eliminate the quagga mussel from the hatchery.

Long term solutions to this problem include a variety of mechanisms that will prevent a return of the quagga mussel to Lake Mead Hatchery as well as prevent exposure to NDOW's other production facilities. This includes a disinfection protocol for all distribution trucks after stocking waters across the state. Each stocking truck that comes into contact with water will be disinfected prior to returning to the home hatchery. It also includes the engineering and design of a water delivery system to Lake Mead Hatchery that will provide clean water. Potential long term solutions include ozonation, filtering and connecting to Southern Nevada Water Authority’s water system.

Will this, or has this affected fish stocking in Nevada? The answer to this question is yes, but not to the extent most individuals predict. All waters will continue to be stocked on a regular basis, but at a reduced level in select locations. A contract to purchase fish from Desert Springs Trout Farm has been signed and will help alleviate shortages while Lake Mead Hatchery is being modified. NDOW has also entered into a cooperative fish rearing operation with Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery.

What's the Problem?

Outside their native home, some plants and animals can

• Clog our waters
• Eat our native plants and animals
• Damage sport fisheries
• Cause health concerns for humans
• Cause millions of dollars worth of economic damage