Invasive Species???

One week ago I concluded an adventure that twice took me from Tennessee to Minnesota. My quest was for a Lund boat; one not normally seen, or offered for sale down South. Last Sunday I found the one I wanted and bought it. After I got it home ( a 1023 mile trip ) I started making some repairs to the coupler and winch. Both were replaced. Yesterday as I was installing the new winch, I noticed a small one inch square grid pattern of uniform black specs on the red hull of the Lund. I ran my nail across it and was surprised to see that I was able to remove a portion of the specs quite easily. I suspect they are some form of eggs laid by some creature, but what I do not know. I have not had the boat in the water yet, and will not until it is pressure washed. Do any of you have any idea what these specs could be?

Zebra mussels?


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Originally Posted by dhaire

Zebra mussels?

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That would be my guess also.

Check the animated map in the article below:

https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Threats...e-Mussels.aspx

those eggs could be from about a who knows how many different things , they might possibly be from a land dwelling insect as well ...but I would for sure clean it good just to make sure ....

I would get an ok from the Tennessee Game & Fish Commission before I put it in the water.

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Originally Posted by stormcloud

I would get an ok from the Tennessee Game & Fish Commission before I put it in the water.

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That is a very good idea. Thanks

bleach it

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Originally Posted by whiskerwhipper

bleach it

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You have to be very careful bleaching a Lund, particularly when it is red. I would not want it coming out camo, thereby giving me an unfair advantage over the crappie. ;-)

you may not be able to do this with a newly purchased boat. Missouri DOC says to drain all livewells, coolers, belge's etc. and or keep out of water for 2 weeks:donoPower wash and dry completely even the motor impellers. will work

Update:
I had the opportunity to speak with three zoologist so at a local college today. After explaining what I had seen on the hull, they, almost in one accord, said Bryozoan. Then they showed me pictures, and yes, that was it. It turns out that what was on the hull was the attachment site of the egg of the organism, which is a primitive type of sponge. It is not invasive, and is seen everywhere, north, south, east and west.