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Zebra Mussel Information |
Where are they in the U.S.?
Zebra Mussels have invaded the Great Lakes region and many river systems, including the
Illinois, Mississippi, St. Lawrence, Connecticut, Ohio, Tennessee, Middle Missouri, and
Arkansas Rivers. Zebra mussels have planktonic larvae that rapidly spread downstream. Adult
mussels attach to hard substrates, including barges and other boats, and are easily carried
upstream in navigable waterways. These factors have led to rapid invasion of zebra mussels in
the North/South direction from the Great Lakes to Southern Louisiana. Western Spread has been
much slower, most likely because there are essentially no navigable waterways in this direction.
In exception, the Arkansas River is navigable toward the west into southeastern Oklahoma, and has
been invaded. Nevertheless, westward spread of zebra mussels continues, primarily by way of
hitchhiking on trailered boats. This type of spread is preventable.
Where are they from originally?
Zebra Mussels originally come from the Caspian Sea Basin in Russia. They spread through Europe in the 19th Century and made it to North America, probably in ballast water, in the late 20th Century (first reported in Lake St. Clair in 1988).
Why are they a problem?
These mussels, unlike freshwater mussels native to North America, attach to hard substrates with threads that they secrete. Zebra mussels create massive encrustation on boats, pilings, rocks, pipes, and nearly any other hard substrate submerged in water. They attach to native mussels and out-compete them for oxygen and food. They clog industrial and municipal raw water systems, including systems needed to produce drinking water. They have razor-sharp, brittle shells that can cut your hands and feet, ruining swimming beaches. Zebra mussels are filter feeders that remove algae needed by native organisms, thus they disrupt the natural food web and can transform the ecology of entire lakes. What can we do about them?
Scientists are currently working on methods to control and eradicate zebra mussels, however, the best we can do for now is to prevent their spread. Never move a boat or equipment from one water body to another without first inspecting, cleaning, draining all water and thoroughly drying everything. Don't forget to clean the bait wells and bilge areas. Zebra mussels can attach to boat hulls, anchors, trailers, and anything else that has come in contact with water. Larvae can live in any standing water. Juvenile zebra mussels may not be visible with the unaided eye. The best method recommended for cleaning your boat is to use high pressure water sprayed at 140 degrees fahrenheit. This temperature will kill zebra mussels. For more Information, see... |