7790

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7790
• Author: Tyus, H. M., W. P. Dwyer and S. Whitmore.
• Title: Feasibility of Preventing Further Invasion of the Zebra Mussel into the Western United States.
• USFW Year: 1993.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

existing Federal and State laws and
regulations to reduce or halt its spread
to new areas. New partnerships
between Federal, State, and other
agencies also could be very effective in
combating this, and other harmful
nonindigenous species. Although an
effective public awareness program for
the zebra mussel does not presently
exist in the West, concerned citizens
and citizens groups could play an
important and eH~ective role in
reducing western transport of the
speaes.
The Fish and `JUildlife Service
(Service) can take a lead role in
combating the spread of the zebra
mussel and other nuisance species by
encouraging and organizing efforts in
the West. First steps would be to: (1)
establish and fund Nonindigenous
Species/Zebra Mussel Coordinators in
Regions 1, 2, and 6 to provide the focal
point for the Service effort; (2) develop
and implement a zebra mussel action
plan that further refines and adds to the
recommendations of this report; (3)
finalize an existing Draft Memorandum
of Understanding with the Bureau of
Reclamation on nonindigenous species,
and work with that agency, and others,
to further develop prevention and
control measures; (4) work with State
governments and other agencies and
organizations to develop similar
agreements and encourage them to
develop in-house capabilities; (5)
develop and activate effective informa-
tion and education programs; (6)
perform risk assessments for Service
facilities, programs, and sensitive
western ecosystems that may be at risk;
and (7) encourage and assist in
developing regional and local contain-
ment and prevention strategies and
programs.