What's New Mussels pose threat to river The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader (1/6) In November, zebra mussels were found in the lower section of the Susquehanna River. Rob Wnuk, regional fisheries biologist for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, said the mussel poses a threat to young smallmouth bass and even walleye in the river.
Hitchhiking zebra mussels = bad news for lakes The Morning Call (12/22) Earlier this year, experts confirmed the presence of the zebra mussel inside a pipe connecting a hydroelectric plant to a lake on the Pennsylvania-Maryland border. The finding was the first for the invasive species in the lower Susquehanna River Basin and a warning to the eastern half of Pennsylvania.
Overview
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are small, fingernail-sized mussels native to the Caspian Sea region of Asia. They are believed to have been transported to the Great Lakes via ballast water from a transoceanic vessel. The ballast water, taken on in a freshwater European port was subsequently discharged into Lake St. Clair, near Detroit, where the mussel was discovered in 1988. Since that time, they have spread rapidly to all of the Great Lakes and waterways in many states, as well as Ontario and Quebec.
Diving ducks and freshwater drum eat zebra mussels, but will not significantly control them.
Likely means of spread: Microscopic larvae may be carried in livewells or bilgewater. Adults can attach to boats or boating equipment that is in the water.
Photo Credit: Center for Great Lakes and Aquatic Sciences
References:
A Field Guide to Aquatic Exotic Plants and Animals, University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program
Showing Our Mussel: The Great Lakes Sea Grant Network Report on Zebra Mussel Research and Outreach.
Nonindigenous Species Program NOAA, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) With the discovery of zebra mussels in Lake St. Clair, and the passage of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Act of 1990, GLERL was charged with developing a major program on nonindigenous species, focusing on the ecosystem and environmental effects of the zebra mussel.
Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Sea Grant Nonindigenous Species Site (SGNIS) Includes scientifically reviewed articles as well as images from Sea Grant researchers.
Zebra Mussel Fact Sheet U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Great Lakes Science Center Outlines the spread of zebra mussels in North America, economic and ecological impacts, and prevention and control methods.
Zebra Mussel ID Card Minnesota Sea Grant Program This resource describes how to identify a zebra mussel and what to do if you find one.
Zebra Mussel Information Resources U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) A part of the National Zebra Mussel Information Network, this site includes U.S. distribution maps, spatial queries, contacts and more.
Zebra Mussel Page Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan) The Ram Lab has been doing research on zebra mussels since 1990. Our research has focused on understanding mechanisms regulating zebra mussel reproduction; however, studies on the effects of toxic chemicals and on non-reproductive roles of neurotransmitters have also been done.
Zebra Mussel/Aquatic Nuisance Species Office Michigan Sea Grant This office serves as a centralized source for information exchange among Michigan Sea Grant staff, state and federal agencies, researchers, water users and others.
Zebra Mussels and Other Nonindigenous Species Great Lakes Sea Grant Network The seven Sea Grant programs that form the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network have frequently taken the lead in addressing nonindigenous species issues through research, education and outreach activities. The network was among the first to react to the zebra mussel invasion.
Zebra Mussels Threaten Inland Waters Minnesota Sea Grant Program This overview of the zebra mussel discusses its history, introduction to the Great Lakes, biology, its effect on the environment, industry and recreation, and control efforts.