They compete with small fish and native mussels for tiny suspended food particles planktonic food. The shells color ranges from almost white to tan or brown and usually have darker concentric rings. Biology, impacts, and control, second edition provides a broad view of the zebra quagga mussel issue, offering a historic perspective and uptodate information on mussel research. Two exotic aquatic invaders, the zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha and the quagga mussel dreissena rostriformis bugensis, have the potential to inhabit most of the fresh waters of the united states and could have negative impacts on a variety of native aquatic species. They entered north america through the release of ballast. The spread of these freshwater mussels threatens recreational boating and fishing, aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture and the environment in general. Unlike other freshwater mussel larvae, zebra mussels dont attach to fish or other hosts prior to adulthood. Although they are freshwater animals, zebra mussels have recently been found living in brackish water with salinity levels of 1 to 2 parts per thousand. Itis taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and uptodate information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in. Zebra mussels can grow to a maximum length of about 50 millimeters 1.
Invasive species zebra mussels lake ecosystems in the. The unrelenting spread in kansas the zebra mussel, dreissena polymorpha pallas, 1771, a small bivalve mollusk native to eastern europe and western asia, was introduced accidentally to north america between 1985 and 1986 in the ballast water of commercial ships arriving from europe. After years of meticulous research, scientists at the university of minnesota have mapped the genome of the zebra mussel, unlocking endless possibilities to combat, control and learn from the. Hosted by the usgs core science analytics and synthesis. Zebra mussels what are zebra mussels and where can they be found. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that spread quickly and consume algae, but they dont directly impact the fish. Number of records does not imply species abundance.
Zebra mussel distribution in the united states animated map. Zebra mussel fact sheet cary institute of ecosystem studies. Please take the publication date into consideration for any date references. The impacts of zebra mussels have been well documented in lakes across europe and north america. Zebra mussel definition of zebra mussel by merriamwebster. Zebra mussels are small animals with a striped, dshaped shell composed of two hinged valves joined by a ligament. Zebra mussels and the related quagga mussels have become two of the most notorious invasive species on the planet. The zebra mussel is a small freshwater mollusk native to the black and. Zebra mussels are native to russia and the ukraine. 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.
They are able to live in a wide range of conditions including oxygendepleted water. How nonhuman life forms can change the course of history. In 1992 were any zebra mussels living in the hudson river, near new york city. These animals are native to the black and caspian seas of western asia and eastern europe that have spread across the world via shipping. The zebra mussel is a small shellfish named for the striped. Mussel larvae, or veligers, were first confirmed in lake powell in late 2012 after routine water monitoring tests discovered mussel dna in water samples taken from the vicinity of. Please report any new sightings, and if possible, take a picture of the zebra mussel and record its gps location.
Invasive zebra mussels discovered in lake travis june 27, 2017 media contact. I think theres a myth out there that people think that this is a disease of fish. Zebra mussel on national atlas zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha factsheet species profile zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha. Zebra mussels saint croix national scenic riverway u. The zebra mussel zm is most recognizable by its stripped shell figure 1, but other colouring is possible figure 2. This mussel is typically found attached to objects, surfaces, or other mussels by threads extending from underneath the shells. Positive and negative effects of zebra mussels positive. Page designed through the cooperative efforts of interagency itis teams. An illustrated history and guide to the river and its waterways, second edition. Zebra mussels originated in the balkans, poland, and the former soviet union.
Their larvae are microscopic, and the adults are usually less than 1 12 inches long. A zebra mussel is a small, dshaped or triangular bivalve with alternating light and dark brown stripes. High densities of zebra mussels can quickly deplete the food resources that are essential to the survival of native fishes and other aquatic animals. Ap environmental science 2010 scoring guidelines question 3 continued c identify and explain one impact that zebra mussels can have on aquatic ecosystems.
Zebra mussels dreissena polymorpha are an invasive species originating in the black and caspian seas, arrived in north america in 1988. 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. Lots of zebra mussels can eat lots of food, so other animals might not have as much as they need, and what zebra mussels dont eat, like zooplankton, or little floating animals, they wrap up in liquid and spit onto the riverlake bottom. Additional mussel surveys will be conducted in the coming weeks to determine the extent of the infestation in lake sharpe and if zebra mussels. Quagga mussels cover rocks that were underwater, now exposed, near blue notch. The native distribution of the species is in the black sea and caspian sea in eurasia.
Report it facts about zebra mussels check out the zebra mussel profile in the invasive animals database for more information on biology, history, habitat, distribution and management of this invasive species. The san antonio river authority has begun coordinating efforts to reduce the risk of this damaging mussel affecting the san antonio river watershed. Anew 1997 distribution map shows zebra mussels have spread. Since the 1980s, they have invaded the great lakes and the hudson river. After a month, the number of species in experiments with added mussels doubled and included some species more typical of rocky lake floors.
And when we placed insects and fish in aquariums, far more invertebrates survived with zebra mussels than without. Since their initial discovery in 1989, zebra and quagga. Unlike native mussels, zebra mussels do not require a host fish to reproduce. Zebra mussel definition is a chiefly freshwater eurasian lamellibranch mollusk dreissena polymorpha that was accidentally introduced into the great lakes and has spread to other waterways where it colonizes and clogs water intake pipes and competes with native fish for food. Zebra mussel natural history zebra mussels aquatic. Zebra mussels are small freshwater mollusks named for the striped pattern of their shells. Zebra mussels attached to a rock were caught on the fishing hook of a lwf supporter on aug. The zebra mussel is a highly invasive, small freshwater mussel that multiplies rapidly and can cause tremendous environmental and economic damage. The life history of zebra mussels differs greatly from most endemic greatlakes region. The life history of zebra mussels differs greatly from most endemic great lakesregion bivalves. From africanized honey bees to zebra mussels begins with a background essay that illuminates the complexities of dealing with invasive animals and plants. Biology, impacts, and control, second edition provides a broad view of the zebraquagga mussel issue, offering a historic perspective and uptodate information on mussel research. 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. Of particular concern is invasion of our lakes and water by zebra and quagga mussels.
Zebra mussels probably arrived in the great lakes in the 1980s via ballast water that was discharged by large ships from europe. Zebra mussels quagga mussels a brief history of invasive mussels in pennsylvania map courtesy of pennsylvania sea grant. The vivid photographs and easytoread text in zebra mussels introduce these shellfish to young learners. An illustrated history and guide to the river and its waterways, second edition solzman, david m. Zebra mussels are described as poor o2 regulators, possibly explaining their low success rate in colonizing eutrophic lakes and the hypolimnion. Their common name was inspired by their dark, zebra like stripes. Nooks and crannies between zebra mussel shells seem to act like very small, natural shark cages that protect tiny insects from hungry fish. Mussels less than 20feet deep would dry out or freeze over the winter, meaning any existing mussels may be harder to find. They can be distinguished from native mussels by the presence of byssal threads, small hairlike structures that are used to attach to hard surfaces. Zebra mussels attach to any solid surface, including industrial pipes, native mussels and snails and other zebra mussels. However, color patterns can vary to the point of having only dark or light colored shells with no stripes. Such a history could take many forms, but invasive species are one place to start and ireland has plenty of these.
Look at the map below to see where the zebra mussel. Both species were believed to have been introduced in the late 1980s by ballast water from transoceanic ships carrying veligers larvae, juveniles or adult mussels. Zebra mussels are small freshwater mussels that are not native to minnesota. Zebra mussels are usually found in large clusters, have a salient zebra like striped pattern. Zebra mussels are an invasive, fingernailsized mollusk that is native to fresh waters in eurasia. These invasive aquatic animals clog drinking water intakes. The zebra mussel is a small shellfish named for the striped pattern of its shell.
Zebra mussels pose a threat to virginias waters vce. On balance, i would rather have a lake without zebra mussels than with them. Natively the zebra mussel inhabits parts of western russia near the caspian sea and the ural river. Zebra mussels inhabit freshwater to depths of 50 feet, attaching to most surfaces including sand, silt, and harder substrates. Perhaps the most important is their ability to produce very large populations in a very short time. The species was originally native to the lakes of southern russia and ukraine. One point can be earned for naming an impact, and 1 point can be earned for an appropriate. It offers scientific data and analysis, and a perspective on the legal and international issues involved. Exploring spatial and temporal patterns of invasive. By the 1830s, the mussels had invaded most of europe through a series of shipping canals. Quagga and zebra dreissenid mussels pose a serious threat to californias waters and fisheries.
Summary articles detail its life history, origins, and morphology. Zebra mussels are native to the caspian, black and. Invasive species zebraquagga mussels zebra mussel dreissena polymorpa and quagga mussel dreissena rostriformis bugensis. Prevent the spread of zebra mussels invasive species in lake.
They were first detected in the united states in the great lakes and hudson river in the 1980s. See story map on montanas response to aquatic invasive mussels. Biologists have tracked the zebra mussel since 1988 when it wasfirst detected in lake st. Oct 05, 2015 when my colleagues ellen marsden, mark beekey, and i fenced off lake floor patches with and without zebra mussels, twice as many invertebrates colonized areas with zebra mussels.
From its native origin, the species has spread to the point where the zebra mussel now affects the waters of most of europe. Zebra mussels also represent a significant threat to the commonwealths native ecology and wildlife communities. There is an immediate impact on the local ecosystem. Zebra mussels have been found in the hypolimnetic zone of lakes with oxygen levels of 0. More information can be found at nbdc and nbn atlas ni. Pennsylvania invasive mussel pennsylvania state university. Waterspdf uniform minimum protocols and standards for watercraft interception programs pdf 2008 draft guidelines to reduce the risk of quagga zebra mussels in california aquaculture pdf distinguishing zebra and quagga mussels from other organisms pdf. Each entry provides information on the origins and invasion history of the species in question as well as a general description of the biology and ecology of. By 1990, the mussels had infested all the great lakes.
Aquatic invasive species new mexico department of game. Zebra mussel natural history zebra mussels are a small, bivalve mollusk with alternating light and dark rings or stripes. Quagga mussels resemble the zebra mussel, but are generally rounder in shape with shells that appear asymmetrical when viewed from the front. Zebra and quagga mussels are freshwater bivalves native to the black sea region of eurasia. May 25, 2017 the zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha is a bivalve mussel native to freshwater lakes of southeast russia.
Devided into four parts the book pays special attention to the incursion of nuisance species via the ballast water of ships. The invasive mussel collaborative announced today that it has released a new strategy to reduce invasive mussels and their negative impacts. The new mexico department of game and fish, along with state, federal and private partners, are working diligently to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Their name comes from the dark, zigzagged stripes on each shell. Infestation of zebra mussels poses no threat to the quality of oklahoma citys drinking water. Distribution of quaggazebra mussels in the southwest united states pdf usgs map. To date, more than 20 lakes in oklahoma have been infested with zebra mussels, including lake hefner in oklahoma city. These maps represent collection records only and may not reflect the actual distribution of established populations. This map is provided by the usgs nonindigenous aquatic species program. Students will know how the zebra mussel invasion has changed the hudson river and be able to use graphed data to explain the history of these changes. Quagga and zebra mussels california department of fish and. Zebra mussels will attach to native mussels much like they do docks, and in large enough numbers can prevent the natives from moving, feeding, reproducing, or regulating water properly.
Zebra mussel location map while zebra mussels are currently restricted to a small part of maryland, their numbers are increasing and the current risk of dispersal to other water bodies is high. Invasive zebra mussels have been discovered in lakes and waterways in south texas. National atlas of the united states a small freshwater mollusk called the. Consequently, they can easily spread anywhere that water currents, wildlife, or human activities take them. Zebra and quagga mussel sightings distribution in the united states jpg us bureau of reclamation quaggazebra site. The zebra mussels also outcompete the natives for food and space, and because of their fast reproduction can quickly overwhelm a water system. Quagga and zebra mussels arrived in the united states from europe in the 1980s and spread to many eastern waterways, rivers, and lakes. Quagga mussels can reach about two inches in length. Zebra mussels are filterfeeding freshwater bivalve mollusks.
Zebra mussels dreissena polymorpha are freshwater bivalve mollusks, measuring roughly an inch or less long, and having a dark and whitestriped pattern on their shells. Click on the interactive map above to see a progression of zebra mussel infestations in the us over the years. Maps and graphs help readers understand the reasons these small, sticky creatures are causing so many problems. Designed for the weekend naturalist and scientist alike, it synthesizes recent work on genetics, biology, and systematics into one book. National atlas of the united states, once zebra mussels become established in a. How had the situation changed over the whole country. Exploring spatial and temporal patterns of invasive aquatic species. The shells are typically onequarter inch to one and onehalf inches long, depending on age, with alternating yellow and brownish colored stripes. Zebra mussels are currently causing serious problems in north america and sweden, where. Prevention is the best way to keep a water body clean of zebra mussels. Zebra mussels can damage boats by encrusting boat hulls.
The zebra mussel dreissena polymorpha is a small freshwater mussel. The zebra mussels are in the water with the fish, but they are not in any way harming the fish. The mussels move through natural waterways, and by attaching themselves to watercraft and other aquatic equipment. Stansbery brings together, for the first time, the most uptodate research on ohios mussels. Biology, impacts and control provides essential information regarding the biology of the zebra mussel in north america and europe, presents case studies of environmental and industrial impacts, and outlines control strategies. Quagga mussels have also expanded greatly in eastern and western europe since the first book edition was published. Zebra mussels are filter feeders they take in water and remove what food they want. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. Invasive species dreissena rostriformis bugensis restricted in michigan quagga mussels have fanshaped shells that are more rounded than zebra mussels, and they wont sit flat on the ventral side.
The zebra mussel is native to parts of western russian near the caspian sea. Zebra mussels are in the dreissenidae family, the false mussel and zebra mussel family. Why are they a concern for lake winnipegs ecosystem. How the zebra mussels scourge spread across minnesota. Zebra mussels threaten inland waters minnesota sea grant. Quagga mussels were discovered in lake mead, lake mojave, and lake havasu on the colorado river in january 2007, and zebra mussels were confirmed to be present in san justo reservoir in california in january 2008. Zebra mussels are able to consume a lot of algae in a ridiculously short amount of time and this is having a direct impact on the food chain. Zebra and quagga mussels ontarios invading species. Originally from the black, caspian and azov sea watersheds of western asia, zebra mussels spread to europe in the late 1700s and early 1800s during the construction of canal networks.
Zebra mussel national invasive species information. Zebra mussels contribute to biomagnificationthe toxins that they filter out of the water are concentrated in their bodies, and passed on to their predators. Fouling of intake pipes for municipal water supplies and power plants is a major concern because it can cost millions of dollars in upgrades, repair. Unlike native mussels, they can attach themselves to hard surfaces in the water. Most zebra mussel produce about 100,000 eggs a year. Zebra mussels and aquatic nuisance species is a thorough, wellreferenced, and illustrated look at the growing problem of nonindigenous species pollution. A quagga mussel is a small, rounded bivalve with alternating light and dark brown stripes. Nonindigenous aquatic species zebra mussel sightings map interactive map of the distribution of zebra mussels in north america. The zebra mussel is a freshwater mollusc that is native to russia and the ukraine. Zebra mussels were first introduced into the great lakes in the 1980s when ships dumped ballast water containing the species. Usgs zebra and quagga mussel information resource page includes information and maps generated by usgs.
Spread of these mussels not only pose a risk to our native aquatic wildlife, but also to all. Quagga and zebra mussels california department of fish. 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. However, the zebra mussel has been accidentally introduced to numerous other areas and has become an invasive species in many countries worldwide. They have spread rapidly throughout the great lakes. These data are preliminary or provisional and are subject to revision. The zebra mussel is a highly invasive, small freshwater mussel that.
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