Biologists Found Zebra Mussel in Colorado River
State officials are monitoring the waterway after a live adult mussel was recovered below Westwater Recreation Area.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in National Parks
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On Sept. 22, 2026, biologists discovered a live adult zebra mussel in the Colorado River below the Westwater Recreation Area. Laboratory testing confirmed the identity of the organism on Oct. 7.
Why it matters
Zebra mussels pose a severe threat to the local ecosystem by stripping plankton from the water and harming native fish populations. They also create significant infrastructure issues by clogging water lines and driving up utility maintenance costs.
Biologists recovered one live adult mussel during recent sampling efforts in the river. This follows positive DNA results from four water samples collected near the Potash Boat Ramp during June and July 2026.
The players
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
This state agency manages wildlife conservation and enforces aquatic invasive species regulations throughout Utah.
The details
State officials inspected various river access points on the weekend of Oct. 10-11 to assess the situation. No additional mussels, larvae, or DNA markers have been identified in subsequent inspections conducted between the state line and Moab.
Timeline
Quagga mussels were first detected in Lake Powell in 2012.
A zebra mussel infestation was documented near Loma, Colorado, in 2025.
Water samples tested positive for zebra mussel DNA in June-July 2026.
Biologists recovered a live zebra mussel on Sept. 22, 2026.
Officials inspected river access points on Oct. 10-11, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This discovery mirrors the long-standing ecological pressures seen in Utah waterways since the 2012 detection of quagga mussels in Lake Powell. State management strategies are evolving as authorities look to protect broader river systems from these invasive threats.
Utah residents currently pay a $20 annual aquatic invasive species fee for motorboats, while nonresidents pay $25. Boaters should prepare for potential new river usage regulations as the state discusses future policy changes with outfitters.
The takeaway
Zebra mussels represent a persistent threat to water infrastructure and native ecosystems that requires ongoing vigilance from recreationists. Boat owners should ensure their vessels are properly cleaned and drained to prevent the spread of invasive species to new areas.
Further reading
Learn more about conservation efforts at Utah National Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Moab Sun News.
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Should all boaters be required to clean and dry watercraft to prevent the spread of mussels?
