OACOMA, S.D. (KCCR) – Officials from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held the first of two public information meetings on invasive zebra mussels in Oacoma Wednesday night. The Aquatic Invasive Species or A-I-S was found at Big Bend Dam in Fort Thompson this summer.

G-F and P Senior Biologist and A-I-S Coordinator Mike Greiner says boats are the primary concern for spreading the pesky mussels.

One possible solution involves a so-called watercraft inspection and decontamination program which Greiner says is effective, but costly.

Greiner says modifying that plan may work.

Officials say controlling the mussels are easier by being proactive than reactive to infestations. The Oacoma meeting was lightly attended and officials hope more people attend the second meeting tonight in Pierre. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Ramkota Convention Center.