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Western Invasion by Zebra and Quagga Mussels in North America

Western Invasion by Zebra and Quagga Mussels in North America. David K. Britton, Ph.D. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Two Invading Species. Zebra Mussels Driessena polymorpha. Quagga Mussels Driessena rostriformis bugensis. Biology. Genus Dreissena has seven species

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Western Invasion by Zebra and Quagga Mussels in North America

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  1. Western Invasion by Zebra and Quagga Mussels in North America David K. Britton, Ph.D. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

  2. Two Invading Species Zebra Mussels Driessena polymorpha Quagga Mussels Driessena rostriformis bugensis

  3. Biology • Genus Dreissena has seven species • Two are invasive in North America • Freshwater Bivalve Mollusks (clam) • Adults about 1 inch long • Highly variable coloration patterns, generally with dark & light stripes • Filter Feeder • Extremely Prolific • Females can release over 100,000 eggs per year • Live about 4 -5 years • Planktonic as larvae • Generally sessile as adults

  4. Physiological Tolerances

  5. Life Cycle • Planktonic Larval Stage (veliger)Generally Sessile (non-motile) as Adults

  6. Adults • Adults attach to any hard surfaces with byssal threads • Typically forming dense clusters

  7. Encrustation

  8. Native Range

  9. Initial Discovery

  10. Trailered Boats • Mussels can attach to weeds that can be carried by boats and trailers • Bilge, bait and live wells can carry mussel larvae • Mussels can attach to hulls and anchor chains

  11. Desiccation Resistance • Zebra mussels can live out of water for more than two weeks under ideal conditions • High humidity • Low Temperatures

  12. Impacts & Consequences • Environmental damage • Habitat alteration • Food web disruption • Impacts to native species • Native Mussels • All but gone in St. Clair &Western Lake Erie • Up to 10,000 zebra musselson a single unionid clam

  13. Impacts & Consequences • Economic damage • Industrial and raw water fouling • Municipal Water Supplies • Hydro-electric Stations • Fossil Fuel Power plants • Management & control costscan be in the millions or billions of dollarsannually

  14. Impacts & Consequences • Health Issues • Bioaccumulation • Concentrate heavy metals and other contaminants • Sharp shells = cut hands and feet

  15. Summary • Zebra and quagga mussels are among the worst aquatic nuisance species in North America • The Invasions continues—although spread has been slow for a decade or so, the pace should quicken now that both species are in the west. • Intentional transfer of infested waters to areas where natural sources of freshwater are scarce has spread invasive mussels quickly. • Trailered boats will likely the primary overland vector into additional non-infested water systems in the West.

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