By KRWG News
New Mexico – State and federal agencies will be doing roadblock-style boat inspections during major holiday weekends at popular New Mexico resorts this summer to protect the state's waters from invasive aquatic species.
Invasive species include zebra and quagga mussels, which have been found in adjacent states and are carried from place to place on boat trailers and boats.
Game and Fish aquatic invasive species coordinator Barbara Coulter says the invasive mussels have not been found in New Mexico reservoirs.
New Mexico officials say the mussels reproduce rapidly, causing irreversible environmental damage.
They also can damage boat engines by clogging engine cooling systems.
State agencies are advising boaters to come to launch facilities prepared to answer questions about the engine, sewage disposal, bilge cleaning and recent boating trips.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.