Spread Of Zebra Mussels Research Articles

Invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) threatens an exceptionally large population of the depressed river mussel (Pseudanodonta complanata) in a postglacial lake.

Freshwater mussels are in decline worldwide, with the depressed river mussel Pseudanodonta complanata being one of the rarest and most endangered species in Europe. Invasive mussels are suspected to be an important factor of decline, but there is little information on their interaction with native species.This study analyzed densities, depth distribution, and individual sizes and weights in one of the largest known populations of P. complanata in Europe in relation to the co‐occurring invasive zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and other mussel species, using a systematic transect analysis. Pseudanodonta complanata was the dominant unionid species in Lake Siecino reaching densities of up to 26 ind/m2, with half of the specimens found at a water depth of 2.0–4.0 m. Densities were highest on sandy substrates in areas of underwater currents. In contrast, 67% of native Unio tumidus were found at depths < 1 m, indicating different habitat preference.In the study area, 91% of P. complanata, 92% of U. tumidus, and all Anodonta individuals were fouled by D. polymorpha. The dreissenid:unionid mass ratio (mean ± SD; maximum) was 0.43 ± 0.56; 4.22 and 0.86 ± 1.87; 8.76 in P. complanata and U. tumidus, respectively. Pseudanodonta complanata fouled with D. polymorpha were impaired in their anchoring capability and had shell deformations potentially affecting shell closing and filtration activity. Fouling intensity was negatively correlated with unionid density, potentially leading to accelerated population declines.The observed adverse effects of invasive zebra mussels on the depressed river mussel and the difficulties in eradicating established populations of invasive mussels suggest that D. polymorpha should be considered a serious threat to P. complanata. Therefore, the further spread of zebra mussels into habitats with native unionids needs to be avoided by all means.

Comparison of Three Sodium Chloride Chemical Treatments for Adult Zebra Mussel Decontamination

ABSTRACT Chemical treatment for the control of the spread of zebra mussels in watercraft is typically focused on the early life stages of the mussel. Adult mussels may be spread via attachment or entangling to gear that is brought on board. Sodium chloride is a chemical that has been recommended for use during some aquacultural practices as a mussel disinfectant. The effectiveness of three sodium chloride-based salts (high-grade sodium chloride, iodized table salt, and water softener salt) was examined for their use as an adult zebra mussel decontamination solution. High-grade sodium chloride and iodized table salt both caused complete mortality at 30.000 mg/l in 24 h. Water softener salt caused complete mortality at the same concentration at 48 h. Iodized table salt caused complete mortality at a lower concentration faster than the laboratory-grade sodium chloride. On the basis of the results of this study, iodized table salt may be an acceptable alternative to high-grade sodium chloride for decontaminat...

The spread of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) from the lower Susquehanna River into the upper Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA

The invasion of North American waters by Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) and its subsequent ecological impacts has been well documented. Their spread continues to new states and watersheds despite a wealth of research and outreach campaigns, albeit at a slowed pace. We describe the spread and proliferation of zebra mussel into one of the more recently invaded states, Maryland, USA. Veliger counts and fixed hard surface monitoring suggest that a population is established within the lower Susquehanna River to the head of the Chesapeake Bay. A relatively narrow tidal-freshwater habitat envelope with suitable salinity may serve to restrict zebra mussel dispersal further downstream. Dispersal to other freshwater habitats in Maryland seems likely as the current area of infestation is highly used by commercial and recreational boaters, although regulations are in place that could help slow or prevent spread. Successful invasion will likely be a function of water chemistry, which may be limiting in some parts of the state.

Distilled white vinegar (5% acetic acid) as a potential decontamination method for adult zebra mussels

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.

The Effects of Zebra Mussel (Dreissena Polymorpha) Infestations on Property Values: Evidence from Waupaca County, Wisconsin, USA

Containment strategies for invasive species often require significant changes in behavior. Success in fostering these changes requires that individuals correctly perceive the costs and benefits. Yet, while both the ecological and aesthetic impacts of some invasive species are universally negative it less clear how lakefront property owners might view zebra mussel infestations. Zebra mussels negatively affect the local ecology, crowd out native species, and deposit sharp shells on beaches. However, they are also associated with increased water clarity, a reduction in suspended pollutants, and increased numbers of popular game fish. We use a spatial lag and spatial error hedonic model to estimate the impact of zebra mussel infestations on lakefront property prices in Waupaca County, Wisconsin. We find no evidence that homes on infested lakes incur a penalty at sale; consequently, it may be difficult to generate compliance with containment strategies to effectively halt the spread of zebra mussels.

Linking zebra mussel invasion and waterborne commerce in the USA

The zebra mussel, a non-indigenous species in North American freshwater ecosystems, has received significant attention over the past two decades as a costly and damaging invader. In the USA, federal-, state-, and local-level policies designed to control and/or prevent the spread of this species remain flawed, in that they do not everywhere account for (or enforce regulations over) all potential anthropogenic dispersal pathways. Ballast water discharge is well-known as an important vector in the dispersal of aquatic invasive species in general, but for the zebra mussel its effects as a source of transmission have rarely been investigated. This article uses simple econometric techniques to measure the relationship between zebra mussel invasion in US states and domestic commercial navigation. Coefficient estimates suggest that incoming waterborne shipments from invaded states are an important determinant of the level of zebra mussel invasion in the receiving state. In designing a comprehensive framework for combating the spread of zebra mussels across US freshwater ecosystems, policy-makers may need to more carefully consider the monitoring and treatment of commercial ships' ballast water discharges as potentially effective strategies.

Zebra mussels at the freshwater/sea interface: Ionic and osmotic challenges to oocyte integrity

Summary The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is a highly prolific biofouling freshwater mollusk accidentally introduced into North America in the 1980s. Understanding its reproductive mechanisms may give insight into its dispersion, adaptive mechanisms, and possible control methods. The spread of zebra mussels into tidal regions and estuaries could be affected by the responses of zebra mussel gametes to seawater. This study investigated the effect of dilute seawater (Instant Ocean, IO) and several of its components on zebra mussel oocyte viability. Zebra mussels were induced to spawn with serotonin. Oocytes exposed to various concentrations of IO or its component ions began to break down within 3 h, usually after a latency of 1–2 h. The percentages of oocytes fragmenting after 3-h exposure to low IO concentration were: control, 11±3%; 2% IO, 18±2%; 5% IO, 47±4%; and 10% IO, 53±4% (ANOVA, p<0.00l). NaCl or CaCl2 concentrations comparable to amounts present in 5% and 10% IO also induced oocyte breakdown (e.g., after 3 h, control, 12±1%; 50 mM NaCl, 49±1%; 1 mM CaCl2, 52±1%; ANOVA, p<0.001). However, NaCl and calcium-mediated mechanisms may differ because: (a) fragmentation morphology differs; (b) osmotically equivalent NaCl, Na-phosphate, and glucose yield similar results, suggesting that these solutions all work primarily by an osmotic effect; and (c) CaCl2 caused twice the oocyte fragmentation of osmotically equivalent NaCl, suggesting that oocyte breakdown may also depend upon specific Ca-activated mechanisms. Both osmotic and calcium-mediated mechanisms may be involved in the breakdown of oocytes in response to seawater. Structural changes of zebra mussel oocyte fragmentation may resemble breakdown of oocytes described in other organisms in response to aging and oxidative stress that have been suggested to be mediated by apoptosis.

Regional differences in rates and patterns of North American inland lake invasions by zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have spread rapidly in North America by dispersal within connected bodies of waters. This study provides the first systematic evaluation of rates of zebra mussel dispersal to inland lakes separated from source populations by functional dispersal barriers. Plankton samples were examined for this exotic species from 140 lakes during a 3-year period (1995-1997). Infestations were detected in 19% of lakes surveyed: seven of 28 Indiana lakes (25%), 15 of 49 Michigan lakes (31%), but only five of 63 Wisconsin-Illinois lakes (8%). Annual rates of infestation varied from 0 to 12%·year-1 among the three regions. Wisconsin-Illinois lake infestations were only detected in 1995 and 1996, whereas new Indiana and Michigan infestations were detected in all three years. Lakes with surface areas less than 100 ha had lower infestation rates than larger lakes. Incidental sightings of inland lake colonization within the study region qualitatively supported observed regional differences in rates and spatial patterns of colonization. These results demonstrate that the spread of zebra mussels into inland lakes is not occurring as rapidly as through connected waterways, and rates of inland lake colonization vary according to regional conditions and lake size.

Prevention of the Spread of Zebra Mussels during Fish Hatchery and Aquaculture Activities

Abstract Fish hatchery and aquaculture activities present numerous opportunities for accelerating the spread of zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha to new locations. We tested aquaculture chemicals including NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, formalin, and the lampricide TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol) for efficacy against zebra mussel veligers and tolerance by several species of juvenile fish. Our short-term exposures simulated the high-stress environment of fish transport. High concentration of NaCl was the most effective treatment against veligers but also caused unacceptably high mortality in most fish species. A dilute solution of formalin (25 mg/L) in conjunction with KCl was effective against veligers and was safe for all fish taxa tested. However, concurrent exposures to 5,000 mg NaCl/L, which is commonly used to counteract fish shock during transport, decreased the toxicity of the formalin to veligers.

Tributary Water Quality Feedback from the Spread of Zebra Mussels: Oswego River, New York

Dramatic changes in the water quality of the Oswego River system, including Oswego Harbor, since the early 1990s brought about by zebra mussel ( Dreissena polymorpha) infestation are documented. The analysis is based on summertime (June to September) water quality monitoring of the Oswego Harbor (1981 and 1993), the mouth of the Oswego River (1983 to 1993), and three upstream sites in the Oswego River system (1990, 1991, and 1994), and two benthic surveys conducted along a 70 km reach of the system to the mouth of the Oswego River in 1994. It is estimated that water in the Oswego River was filtered more than twice over this length by the mussels in 1994 (at median flow) before it reached Oswego Harbor. The zebra mussel infestation converted the Oswego River and the harbor from a turbid (low clarity), phytoplankton-rich, nutrient-depleted system, to a system with distinctly greater clarity, reduced phytoplankton concentrations, enriched in soluble reactive phosphorus. Most of this impact was attributable to dense zebra mussel populations (e.g., ∼ 30,000 indiv/m 2) in a 5 km river section, located > 60 km upstream of Oswego Harbor. These changes in tributary water quality represent a form of feedback associated with the spread of the zebra mussel from the Laurentain Great Lakes. Increased attached algae growth in the Great Lakes proximate to the inflow of infested tributaries is a reasonable expectation in response to the more available form of the phosphorous load.