Environmental DNA monitoring leads to early detection of invasive zebra mussel DNA in the Colorado River, Utah

By Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center September 11, 2026

In June and July 2026, state and federal partners collaborated with USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) scientists to sample the Colorado River near Canyonlands National Park for invasive zebra mussel environmental DNA (eDNA) using eDNA autosamplers. For the first time in Utah, zebra mussel eDNA was detected through these efforts.

Image: Zebra Mussels — The environmental DNA of invasive zebra mussels (depicted) was detected in the Colorado River in Utah.

Invasive Dreissenid Mussels

Zebra mussels together with quagga mussels are collectively referred to as dreissenids and are known to cause ecological and economic harm.

Damage to water pipes, canals, other water infrastructure, and recreational equipment, once established
Reduce nutrient availability, grow on native mussels, and disrupt foodwebs
Cause costly damage to infrastructure and aquatic ecosystems that can be difficult and expensive to address

Quagga mussels have invaded many waterways of the U.S. including the lower Colorado River. They were first detected in Lake Powell, Utah, in 2012. However, zebra mussels were not previously known to be present in Utah waterways.

An open metal box holds filters and scientific equipment for water sampling — Inside an autonmous environmental DNA sampler used to sample for zebra mussels downstream of Moab, UT.

Detection of Zebra Mussel Environmental DNA

USGS NOROCK scientists from the Rapid Environmental (e)DNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) supported the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Canyonlands National Park with zebra mussel eDNA sampling by providing autonomous eDNA samplers, training, and laboratory analyses. Sampling was conducted near the Potash boat ramp, about 14 miles downstream Moab, Utah, and upstream of Canyonlands National Park.

June - July 2026 sampling efforts resulted in the detection of zebra mussel environmental DNA.
The early detection allowed managers to quickly alert the public and educate people about how to reduce the risk of transporting the invasive mussels into Utah’s waterways.
The early detection also gives state and federal managers time to evaluate potential control strategies and conduct additional sampling to determine whether zebra mussels themselves, not just their DNA, are present in the river.
The NOROCK READI-NET team continues to provide decision support as managers respond to the detection.