Prevention is the best way to keep a water body clean of zebra mussels. In the united states, zebra mussels were established in the great lakes by 1986. Zebra mussel fact sheet cary institute of ecosystem studies. Zebra mussels takeover of the great lakes discover magazine.
Nonindigenous aquatic species zebra mussel sightings map interactive map of the distribution of zebra mussels in north america. Zebra mussels and the closely related and ecologically similar quagga mussels are filterfeeding organisms. They can be up to two inches long, but most are under an inch. Since their initial discovery in 1989, zebra and quagga. Simulation of rapid ecological change in lake ontario. Adults range from 14 to 112 inches long and have yellow and brown striped shells. The unionid population in the offshore waters of puce, ontario, was surveyed from 1990 to 1992. Now, scientists with the canadian museum of nature report the rapid colonization of the species over 26 years in eastern ontarios rideau river, which includes the rideau canal system, a unesco world heritage site. Data on map represents established population and species occurrence data. The average number of zebra mussels per unionid significantly increased from 9 in 1991 to 155 in 1992. By 1991, zebra mussels began to spread to smaller inland lakes in ontario and the eastern.
The zebra mussels is native to the black, caspian, and azov seas. Zebra mussels are generally triangular and have a larger groove in the middle of the. Drain all bilge water, live wells, bait buckets, and all other water from your boat, engine and equipment. The usgs documents the zebra mussel s geographic distribution and studies its behavior and biology. The european zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha is now firmly established in the lower great lakes and in isolated locations in the upper great lakes. The zebra mussel s range expansion in north america the zebra mussel was first discovered in the great lakes basin in routine samples taken from the bottom of lake st. Quagga mussels are mostly confined to the lower great. This timelapse map, from the united states geological surveys. Freshwater mussels of ontario norfolk field naturalists. Lakes zebra mussels and ponds clean, drain, dry program. Morris presentation at the nfn meeting on november 12, 20 s. The invasive mussel collaborative announced today that it has released a new strategy to reduce invasive mussels and their negative impacts. An empirical analysis of the consequences of zebra mussel.
Zebra mussels negate or mask the increasing effects of. Help stop the spread of zebra mussels what you can do to stop the spread of the invasive zebra mussel. Zebra mussels are small freshwater mussels that are not native to minnesota. Points on the map represent locations where zebra mussels had been observed as of 2003. A colony was also found near the head of the chicago sanitary and ship canal that provides a manmade connection between the great lakes and the mississippi river basin. Map of sample sites, coded according to substrate type. While zebra mussels have been associated with decreases in algal biomass in both observational hall et al. Northern map turtles graptemys geographica are widespread in north america and consume zebra mussels. They came to north american waters in international shipping ballast water and were discovered in lake st. The aim of this study was to document and model the population dynamics of zebra mussels dreissena polymorpha pallas, 1771 in pool 8 of the upper mississippi river umr, usa, for five consecutive years 19921996 following their initial discovery in september 1991. We used stable isotopes analyses to quantify the flow of energy from the pelagic pathway to northern map turtles and to infer the contribution of zebra mussels to map turtle biomass. Clair in 1988, the mussels have spread throughout lakes st. The potential distribution of zebra mussels in the united states.
Native indiana predators of zebra mussels include waterfowl, sturgeon, yellow perch, freshwater drum, catfish, and sunfish. Zebra mussels in the finger lakes life in the finger lakes. Alien invaders, such as zebra mussels and quagga mussels attach themselves to the shells of native mussels in large clumps, the weight of which can. Monitoring manual for quagga and zebra mussels culver et al. Twodecade study shows dramatic colonization of invasive. Canadian geographic articles learning to live with zebra mussels. Clair in june 1988 no one at that time was looking specifically for zebra mussels. Zebra mussels have been discovered in a lake connected to the rainy river prompting concern that they could invade a number of waterways in northern ontario, including lake of the woods so far, zebra mussels havent managed to make their way into northwestern lakes, because many bodies of water along the canadian shield dont have enough calcium in. The zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha is a small freshwater mussel.
A learning and action resource 3 united states canada lower niagara river to lake ontario lake profiles lake erie the shallowest and warmest of all five lakes, lake eries complex ecosystem supports a vibrant fishing industry and is also a breeding ground for invasive species and algal blooms9. The advancing spread of the zebra mussel through the great lakes was examined in learning to live with zebra mussels, in. Zebra mussels are found throughout all the great lakes, lake st. Zebra mussels are armed with rootlike threads of protein, called byssal threads, that allow them to firmly attach themselves to hard surfaces such as rocks, native mussels, docks, or boats. Immediately inspect the system and remove any zebra mussels. The zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha is a small bivalve originally native to the caspian sea region. States, zebra mussels were established in the great lakes by 1986. Zebra mussels contribute to biomagnificationthe toxins that they filter out of the water are concentrated in their bodies, and passed on to their predators. By 1991, zebra mussels began to spread to smaller inland lakes in ontario and the eastern united states. Zebra mussels are a small, destructive invasive species that can spread across texas by hitching a ride on boats and trailers. Zebra mussels were first discovered in the hudson at very low densities in 1991. Zebra and quagga mussels are the only freshwater mussels in north amreica that have a byssus, an external organ which consists of many sticky, gluelike threads that are extremely durable. Zebra mussels will attach to crayfish, turtle shells as well as other mussels.
Although the amount of change is difficult to quantify, glerl analyses shows roughness. They have spread rapidly throughout the great lakes region and into the large rivers. The canadian provinces of quebec and ontario have confirmed populations. Zebra mussel the zebra mussel gets its name from the dark and light stripes on its shell that resembles those on a zebra. This behavior is known as biofouling and with the spread of these mussels, native mussel populations have been severely reduced. Impact of the zebra mussel, dreissena polymorpha, on. Following the protocol in the program manual, participants monitored their lakes. The populations is expected to continue to increase in the coming years before reaching a limit and moderating. This timelapse map, from the united states geological surveys nonindigenous aquatic species nas online information resource, shows the spread of infestation. Zebra mussels and a related species, quagga mussels, are fingernailsized, blackandwhite striped bivalve mollusks native to the caspian sea region of asia.
Zebra mussels are in the dreissenidae family, the false mussel and zebra mussel family. The zebra mussels range expansion in north america the zebra mussel was first discovered in the great lakes basin in routine samples taken from the bottom of lake st. One laboratory study observed one round goby eating 78 zebra mussels in a. Zebra mussels can damage boats by encrusting boat hulls. Mar 02, 2008 but in lake ontario, it turns out the zebra mussel has had a positive impact for salmon fishermen. Zebra mussel national invasive species information center. The zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha is a prohibited invasive species, which means it is unlawful a misdemeanor to possess, import, purchase, transport, or introduce this species except under a permit for disposal, control, research, or education. Zebra mussels threaten northern ontario lakes cottage life. The survey and relocation protocols described in this document were adapted for michigan from the west virginia mussel survey protocols clayton et al. Introduction and spread of the zebra mussel in north america, new.
The zebra mussel is a small shellfish named for the striped pattern of its shell. Concerned about asian carp, giant hogweed, or zebra mussels. Mapping the potential spread of the zebra mussel dreissena. Unlike native mussels, they can attach themselves to hard surfaces in the water. Northern map turtles graptemys geographica derive energy. Zebra mussel control missouri department of conservation. Zebra mussel national invasive species information. Update ontarios distribution maps and contribute to an international. Iowa great lakes association environmental update spring 2017 zebra mussels zebra mussel populations continue to expand in the iowa great lakes. Clair have declined since the introduction of the epizoic zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha. A guide to further information on various molluscicides spencer and getsinger 2002.
Zebra mussels are small 1 3 cm, clamlike aquatic animals that are a significant environmental and economic concern to manitoba. This mussel is typically found attached to objects, surfaces, or other mussels by threads extending from underneath the shells. In 1824, these invasive bivalve mollusk made their first appearance in great britain and since than they have establish themselves well. Zebra and quagga mussels oregon sea grant draft 2008 aquatic invasions. Abundance and distribution once zebra mussels spread to an area, they have the potential to reach explosive numbers in a relatively short period of time. The density of living unionids decreased significantly from. Both zebra and quagga mussels are native to the black sea in eurasia and were introduced to ontario in the late 1980s via ship ballast. Meanwhile, catching and transporting zebra mussels for use as bait, food, and aquarium pets is highly discouraged.
Although thin, alate species of unionids appeared to decline sooner than species with more inflated and rounded shells, all species were affected, with an average of 64% of all dead unionid shells collected containing either living zebra. One such species is diporeia, which is a tiny shrimplike organism that lives in the bottom mud and whos source of food is settling algae from the water column. Their shells rang in color from almost white to tan or brown with darker concentric rings. Clair, they have spread throughout the great lakesst. The resulting information is critical in helping to develop strategies aimed at containing and controlling the mussel s spread. Native to eastern europe and western asia, zebra mussels have caused millions of dollars in damage to the laurentian great lakes area and have cost the north american economy billions of dollars to control. They rapidly became established in the great lakes and the waters draining them. In 2012, zebra mussels were discovered in the susquehanna river at berwick, pennsylvania. Will zebra mussels rebound to historical densities. Could declines in zebra mussels facilitate the expansion of quagga mussels a close relative from the great lakes into suitable michigan inland lakes. What are zebra mussels and why should we care about them. The province of manitoba was alerted to the potential presence of zebra mussel in lake winnipeg on october 11, 20by a member of the public.
Now, zebra mussels are widespread in the great lakes and all the major river drainages east of the rocky mountains. Invasive mussel infestations pose significant logistical and economic challenges for local. Utilizing these threads the mussels creat a tenacious attachment to hard surfaces, such as boat hulls, water infrastructure, and even other organism such as. Unlike the zebra mussel, quagga mussels are found to be limited to the southern great lakes. Apr 11, 2011 the european zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha is now firmly established in the lower great lakes and in isolated locations in the upper great lakes. Zebra mussels probably arrived in the great lakes in the 1980s via ballast water that was discharged by large ships from europe. Ontario ministry of natural resources zebra mussels have spread rapidly in ontario. Zebra mussels look like small clams with a yellowish or brownish dshaped shell, usually with alternating dark and lightcolored stripes. Location of 63 study lakes in southern ontario with inset map of northeastern north america.
By 1991, zebra mussels were common at depths of 5 m maximum 3,250m2 in the west end of the lake, and present at two sites on the eastern end of the lake kilgour et al. Learn how to control zebra mussels zebra mussels came to north american waters in international shipping ballast water and were discovered in lake st. Unfortunately, over 65% of freshwater mussel species are endangered in ontario as a result of habitat loss, pollution, competition from invasive zebra and quagga mussels and loss of hostfish species. The introduction and spread of the zebra mussel in north america. The ontario federation of anglers and hunters ofah, in partnership with the ontario ministry of natural.
Both density numberm 2 and species diversity of unionid populations in the southwestern region of lake st. Zebra mussels hurt us all zebra mussels multiply rapidly over large areas, lack natural predators in texas lakes and can cause tremendous environmental and economic damage. Look at the map below to see where the zebra mussel. Figure 5 example pictures of zebra and quagga mussels attached to various substrates42 figure 6 the current distribution of zebra and quagga mussels in north america map source. Their name comes from the dark, zigzagged stripes on each shell. Recent changes in invasive zebra mussel densities in michigan. The introduction and spread of the zebra mussel in north. They are currently found in more than 750 lakes in north america. Zebra mussels are being muscled out of the great lakes. Ecologically, the zebra mussels cause many problems. Zebra mussels are known to be negatively phototaxic. Zebra mussels secrete durable strands called byssal threads, with an extremely sticky glue at the end, by which they attach securely to nearly any solid surface, including stone, wood, rooted aquatic vegetation, and such manmade materials as iron, steel, concrete, and plastic.
Lakes in which zebra mussels were detected are labeled with black circles, and lakes without zebra mussels are labeled with open circles. By late 18th and early 19th centuries, zebra mussels were found and spread throughout most of europes drainage and canal systems. The first texas infestation was found in lake texoma in 2009. Now, zebra mussels are widespread in the great lakes and all the. What are the implications for the longterm impacts and dynamics of zebra mussels. Zebra mussels were discovered in lake ontario in 1989, followed by quagga mussels in 1990 griffiths et al. This map is provided by the usgs nonindigenous aquatic species program. Although zebra mussels were once considered a menace for the great lakes, quagga mussels, which arrived a few years later, have out competed them in.
The thumbnailsized freshwater mollusks are native to eurasia and were inadvertently introduced into lake ontario in untreated ballast water that was routinely being discharged from transoceanic ships entering the great lakes through the st. Quagga and zebra mussels can stay alive out of water for up to 20. The zebra mussel zm is most recognizable by its stripped shell figure 1, but other colouring is possible figure 2. Some native mussels are more tolerant than others, but even for these resistant species, becoming covered by zebra mussels makes them more vulnerable to environmental stressors, such as extreme water temperatures, lack of food. Ottawa, october 3, 2018 invasive zebra mussels have been known in canadian waterways since they first arrived from europe into lake erie in 1986. Recent changes in invasive zebra mussel densities in. The zebra mussels process up to one liter of water per day, per mussel. Zebra mussels have invaded the trentsevern and rideau systems, and have been found in some muskoka lakes. By the end of 1989, zebra mussels had turned up all across the great lakes, west to duluth, minn.
Effects of zebra mussels on fish in inland lakes 289 figure 1. Zebra mussels are an invasive, fingernailsized mollusk that is native to fresh waters in eurasia. Zebra mussels dreissena polymorpha are an invasive species originating in the black and caspian seas, arrived in north america in 1988. Michigan freshwater mussel survey protocols and relocation. Tpwd and partners closely monitor positive and suspect lakes, as well as other lakes we consider high risk for zebra mussel introductions. Pdf zebra mussel biofouling control in cottage and other small. You can report these species and more online or with your mobile device using eddmaps ontario. Invasive species dreissena polymorpha restricted in michigan zebra mussels have shells that are triangular in shape and can sit flat on the ventral side unlike quagga mussels which have more rounded shells and cannot sit flat.
Pdf zebra mussels dreissena polymorpha were first discovered in lake st. One such problem is that they need to attach to a hard surface to survive, and these hard surfaces could be anything from many manmade objects to other animals. Zebra mussels are described as poor o2 regulators, possibly explaining their low success rate in colonizing eutrophic lakes and the hypolimnion. Zebra mussels were first noticed in new york waters in the mid1980s. Invasive zebra mussels have devastating economic, recreational, and environmental impacts. The zebra mussels main predator is the round goby, another invasive species brought from europe, which is preyed upon by popular gamefish walleye, bass, and perch. Zebra mussels can cause tremendous environmental and economic damage hurting aquatic life, damaging your boat, hindering water recreation and even threatening your water supply. However, color patterns can vary to the point of having only dark or light colored shells with no stripes.
The bureau of reclamation has launched a new prize competition seeking innovative solutions for the 100percent eradication of invasive quagga and zebra mussels from large reservoirs, lakes and rivers in a costeffective and environmentally sound manner. Invasive species zebra mussels lake ecosystems in the. Establish a provincial volunteer network to track the spread of zebra mussels and spiny. Zebra and quagga mussel early detection and rapid response. Inspect boat, trailer, and other recreational equipment that have been in contact with water. Zebra mussels were first seen in kelso reservoir in the fall of 20 when a small number of mussels were seen attached to a boat. Dispersal is aided by high fecundity, a planktonic larval stage, and ability of the mussel to be transported via shipping and recreational boating. Some particles are consumed as food, and feces are deposited on the lake floor. Zebra and quagga mussels consume available food and alter the ecology of infested waters. Zebra mussels reached north america in the mid1980s in the ballast water of a ship.
The exotic round goby, present in all of the great lakes and some of its tributaries, also has quite a liking for zebra mussels. Dreissena polymorpha zebra mussels are in the dreissenidae family. The range expansion of zebra mussels continues to grow with additional observations in lake simcoe, thames river and now sixteen mile creek. Replacement of zebra mussels by quagga mussels in the. Usgs 201443 figure 7 the current distribution of zebra and quagga mussels in the western us. Zebra mussels usually grow in clusters containing numerous individuals. Those nfn members who braved the snowy roads on november 12, 20, to attend our regular monthly meeting were treated to a unique presentation in the history of our club attested to by harry b. The strategy to advance management of invasive zebra and quagga mussels is intended to drive investments, policy, and research around invasive mussels across the great lakes region and beyond. Since then, zebra mussels have spread rapidly throughout the great lakes and connected waterways of the mississippi and hudson rivers. Zebra mussels filter out large amounts of phytoplankton, and compete with many species of zooplankton which are an important food source for young fish. They are a direct threat to native mussels, accumulating on their shells in sufficient numbers to smother their hosts.
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