Mussel-Fouled Tugboat on the Run Finally Pulled Over in Montana

Just because the boat had been out of the water for two days does not mean there wasn't a threat.

But regardless, to neglect stopping at not one, but three watercraft inspection stations sounds pretty irresponsible. And as it turns out, there was plenty to inspect.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that a warden stopped a driver pulling a mussel-fouled tugboat after he drove past an aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection station near Anaconda last week. The driver was traveling from Lake Michigan to the Puget Sound in Washington.

The warden had the driver return to the inspection station, where not only a great amount of mussels were found but also barnacles, indicating the boat was likely in salt water before it went to Lake Michigan. The boat was out of the water for two days, and it is possible that some of the mussels were still viable.

Everything was decontaminated except for the engine flush, due to the size of the vessel. The boat was locked to the trailer, and a follow-up inspection will be needed.

The driver also drove past inspection stations in Broadus and Hardin. The tugboat is the sixth boat this year detected with AIS.

This is a good reminder that it’s the law! Anyone transporting watercraft, motorized and non-motorized, must stop at all open inspection stations they encounter. Watercraft includes paddle boards, float tubes, kayaks, canoes, rafts and pack rafts. Nonresidents and residents returning home, as well as those traveling with watercraft from one point to another in-state where there is an open check station on the route, you must have watercraft inspected before launching in Montana. Watercraft must also be drained of all water before transporting.

There was no word on whether the driver was cited or fined for ignoring the check stations, but it is obvious that AIS enforcement continues to be a priority for Montana game wardens.

More details on Montana's AIS inspection stations can be found here.