Monday, May 26, 2008 - 4:45 PM
105

Identifying zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) educational needs and boat use patterns in Missouri

Michelle Baumer1, Heather Scroggins1, Stephen McMurray1, and Brian Canaday2. (1) Resource Science Division, Missouri Department of Conservation, 1110 S. College Avenue, Columbia, MO 65201, (2) Private Land Services Division, Missouri Department of Conservation, 1907 Hillcrest Drive, Columbia, MO 65201

Despite an education campaign to prevent the further spread of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Missouri, new occurrences in Lake of the Ozarks (2006) and Lake Taneycomo (2007) were documented.  To understand how to better focus education efforts, 5 regional focus group discussions were held to get insight from registered boat owners on how to control the spread and develop an understanding of how boat use patterns might affect the spread.  Focus group sessions revolved around 8 main questions and related probing questions.  Most attendees were 31+ year old males that boated on a regular basis with >10 years of boating experience.  As expected, most attendees frequented waterbodies near their home, but several indicated traveling both within and outside the state, including to zebra mussel infested areas.  Most attendees knew the usual prescribed methods for inspecting watercraft, but there was still confusion about some of the methods and a great deal of confusion and misinformation about the effects of zebra mussels, the history of their spread in the U.S., and their biology.  The findings from the focus groups will be used in the evaluation of MDC’s information campaign to prevent further spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species.


Web Page: zebra mussels, invasive species, control

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