Are zebra mussels invasive in the Great Lakes?

Are zebra mussels invasive in the Great Lakes?

Zebra mussels are an invasive, fingernail-sized mollusk that is native to fresh waters in Eurasia. Their name comes from the dark, zig-zagged stripes on each shell. Zebra mussels probably arrived in the Great Lakes in the 1980s via ballast water that was discharged by large ships from Europe.

Are zebra mussels a problem in Asia?

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are native to the Caspian Sea in Asia. They entered the Great Lakes Region via ballast water of a transatlantic vessel in the late 1980s. Zebra mussel densities have been reported to be over 700,000 individuals per square meter in some places in the Great Lakes area.

Which invasive species of fish eats zebra mussels?

Do zebra mussels have any predators? Zebra mussels do not have many natural predators in North America. But, it has been documented that several species of fish and diving ducks have been known to eat them.

What is a problem with zebra mussels as invasive species in lakes?

Highly invasive zebra mussels and quagga mussels are a growing threat to our freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers. These tiny invaders adversely affect phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, kill native mussels, ruin fish spawning areas, damage structures and clog water supply pipes and facilities.

Can zebra mussels be killed?

No chemical control agent is known to kill zebra mussels without seriously harming other aquatic life or water quality. A 2% chlorine bleach solution is effective at killing zebra mussels when cleaning boating equipment or other gear away from waterbodies.

Can you swim in water with zebra mussels?

Yes,” she said. Montz recommends checking the DNR’s map of lakes with zebra mussels before you jump in the water. The mussels don’t like sand, because there’s nothing they can attach to, so he said that you should be fine swimming on a sandy shoreline.