Invasive Quagga Mussels Found in Southern Oregon - Have Not Reached Coastline

Published 03/27/26 at 9:45 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Ashland, Oregon) – Wildlife experts recently had an encounter with an invasive species that hasn't been seen often in Oregon, and it's put them on edge a little.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) staff at the Ashland Boat Inspection Station intercepted a motorboat carrying invasive quagga mussels on March 21, marking Oregon's first detection of the species in 2026.

Inspectors found the mussels on a vessel being transported from Lake Havasu, Arizona. The vessel was thoroughly decontaminated at the station and all mussels were removed and properly disposed of.

“Invasive freshwater mussels like quagga mussels can do real damage to Oregon's lakes, rivers, and water infrastructure,” said Keith DeHart, ODFW's invasive species coordinator. “Oregon is worth protecting, so always clean, drain and dry your boat before transporting it.”

Oregon law requires any vehicle towing a watercraft to stop at all open inspection stations for aquatic invasive species checks. Stations are open when orange “Boat Inspection Ahead” signs are posted, followed by “Inspection Required for All Watercraft.”

ODFW reports that invasive freshwater mussels have not been detected in Oregon's waterways, crediting both responsible boaters and inspection crews. The risk remains, however. In 2025, crews decontaminated 12 watercraft carrying invasive mussels and intercepted another 295 vessels with other types of aquatic biofouling, including Eurasian watermilfoil.

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Since the Watercraft Inspection Stations program began in 2010, ODFW has inspected 246,748 watercraft, intercepting 185 with invasive mussels and 3,758 with other aquatic organisms.

Inspection station locations and hours:

- Ashland: I-5 at the Ashland Port of Entry, open daily year-round during daylight hours
- Ontario: I-84 at the Ontario Rest Area, open daily year-round during daylight hours
- Seasonal stations in Brookings (on the Oregon coast), Klamath Falls, Umatilla, and at Owyhee Reservoir will open the first week of May
- Roving inspection crews will also operate at boat ramps and access points statewide this year

More information about the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program and Waterway Access Permits is available at MyODFW.com.

Anyone who finds invasive freshwater mussels on a vessel is asked to report it to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline at 1-866-INVADER or online at oregoninvasiveshotline.org.

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