MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Montana officials say a boat infested with an invasive species of mussels passed two watercraft checkpoints before they were discovered.
The Missoulian reported that Montana Fish and Wildlife officials say the zebra mussels were found on a boat bound for Seattle.
Zebra and quagga mussels can clog water intake pipes, disrupt the fishing tourism industry and cost industries, businesses and communities billions of dollars.
The invasive species on the vessel that originated in Lake Michigan could have spread in the Columbia River basin without the discovery.
The state of Montana has protocols to prevent the spread of the mussels, but officials say the initial missed checks were due to errors by seasonal staff.