Help ensure Maine's lakes stay healthy!
Press release
Volunteer for the Zebra Mussel Settling Plate Project
AUGUSTA—With the recent discovery of invasive zebra mussel infestations in the Saint John River on the shared Maine border with Canada, we're looking for volunteers to help with a project to monitor for potential spread. If you live on or commonly recreate on lakes in the state, you may be able to help!
Zebra mussel infestations can be easily monitored for with a tool called settling plates, where zebra mussels may attach once past their larval stage. Routine visual checks of these settling plates by volunteers will allow quick detection of any new zebra mussel infestation.
Volunteers should be prepared to monitor the plates every 2-3 weeks May - October. For the 2025 season, the Department has 100 settling plates that can be borrowed and maintained by volunteers for the season. The project can be completed by individuals, lake associations, businesses, or create your own group.