Abstract

The spread of zebra mussels into new bodies of water is of great concern in the United States due to their economic and ecological costs. Some government agencies suggest the use of vinegar as a decontamination option but do not provide data to explain this decision. This study examined the toxicity of distilled white vinegar on adult zebra mussels at varying concentrations and exposure times. All tested concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100%) caused complete mortality within four hours. These results indicate that distilled white vinegar can be used for the decontamination of adult zebra mussels.

Highlights

  • Biological invasions are increasing in frequency and continue to cause unwanted effects to ecological and economic systems (Simberloff et al 2013)

  • We suggest that regional control of biological invasions can be successful, and requires collective effort by all affected resource managers and stakeholders

  • We present the history of AIS management and policy development and describe the use of an “implementation plan” as a sciencebased, decision-support tool for on-the-ground aquatic invasive species control actions

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Summary

Introduction

Biological invasions are increasing in frequency and continue to cause unwanted effects to ecological and economic systems (Simberloff et al 2013). Despite the utility this regional AIS management plan provided, Tahoe Basin managers tasked with control or removal of AIS remained burdened with uncertainty about which taxa and locations to prioritize their control efforts. Through the recent development of a comprehensive AIS control strategy in Tahoe, including regional level programming and localized implementation plan, we provide the following recommendations for natural resource managers and invasion scientists who are faced with the creation of a sustainable AIS control program. We believe these recommendations are applicable to multiple aquatic ecosystem types with various management and stakeholder infrastructures. These recommendations should be relevant to those systems in which the lake, reservoir, or other waterbody is multi-use (e.g., drinking water supply, recreational, commercial), and where there are a diverse group of stakeholders ranging from water purveyors, local users, visitors, conservationists, and those with commercial or residential interests

Do not act alone
Determine the magnitude of unwanted impacts
Conclusion

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