The Times of India

'Halt The Hitchhiker' Challenge: US offers $200,000 for mussel fixes; boaters urged to clean

A national competition offers up to $200,000 to develop practical solutions for preventing invasive mussels from spreading via trapped boat water. Ballast compartments are a key risk, as microscopic larvae can survive and infest new water bodies, causing billions in damages annually. California's recent golden mussel discovery highlights the urgent need for effective containment strategies.