Alaska is taking proactive steps to prevent the introduction of zebra and quagga mussels, two invasive freshwater species not currently established in the state. Officials are training specialists and inspecting watercraft to detect these harmful organisms as they continue to spread across the American West.
The urgency stems from recent discoveries, including the detection of zebra mussel environmental DNA in Utah’s Colorado River in September 2026. While this does not confirm an established population, it served as an early warning, prompting further sampling. The DNA was found near the Potash boat ramp, downstream from Moab and upstream of Canyonlands National Park.
