Oregon and Coastal Authorities on Lookout for Invasive Species on Boats

Published 06/15/25 at 5:45 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Salem, Oregon) – Boaters all across the state will be checked this summer for a nasty little creature that is trying to literally invade waterways. Golden mussels and other invasive species are becoming an increasing threat, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is ramping up efforts to protect the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams from aquatic invasive species. (Above: An ODFW ranger shows what damage some species do to pipes)

It's not just the Oregon coast, either. All areas of the state now have seasonal boat inspection stations that are currently operational, and roving crews will be conducting watercraft inspections and decontamination at boat ramps statewide.

Although Oregon has not detected invasive freshwater mussels in its waterways, the risk is growing. Alongside concerns about quagga and zebra mussels, another species called golden mussels introduce a new threat.

“Golden mussels were detected for the first time in North America last year which means the threat to Oregon is very serious,” said Keith DeHart, ODFW Invasive Species Coordinator. “Golden mussels are similar to zebra or quagga mussels, but they can establish in a much wider range of temperatures and water salinity."

The concern follows quagga mussel detections in Idaho’s Snake River last year. Invasive mussels can clog irrigation and hydropower infrastructure, degrade water quality, and limit recreational activities such as fishing and boating.

The department, in coordination with the Oregon State Marine Board, operates five watercraft inspection stations across the state. All motorized and non-motorized watercraft - including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards - must stop at open inspection stations.

Boaters can speed up the inspection process by cleaning and draining their watercraft before leaving a waterbody. Pulling the drain plug before leaving Oregon’s waters is required, DeHart noted.

Clean, drain, and dry is the most effective method to prevent the spread of invasive species, he emphasized. A clean boat also speeds up the inspection process.

Open inspection stations are marked with large orange signs reading Boat Inspection Ahead, followed by Inspection Required for All Watercraft. Hours vary, and inspections and decontaminations are free, funded by Oregon’s Waterway Access Permit program.

Inspection locations:

Ashland – I-5 at the Ashland Port of Entry
Brookings – Hwy. 101 at the Brookings weigh station
Klamath Falls (new in 2025) – US-97 at the Midland Rest Area
Ontario – I-84 at the Ontario Rest Area
Umatilla – Hwy. 730 at the Umatilla Port of Entry
Roving stations – Temporary inspection sites may be set up at various boat ramps statewide

Boaters can help protect Oregon’s waterways by stopping at inspection stations and ensuring their vessels are free of invasive species.

For more information on protecting Oregon’s waterways and to buy a Waterway Access Permit, visit ODFW's aquatic invasive species page.

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To learn more about invasive species, Key Conservation Issues affecting Oregon, and the State Wildlife Action Plan, visit: https://www.oregonconservationstrategy.org/key-conservation-issue/invasive-species/

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