Invasive mussel infestations also threaten native mussel populations by attaching to the native species and smothering them. Additionally, by selectively avoiding toxic algae species like Microcystis, invasive mussels may help facilitate toxic algae blooms in lakes.Īs they filter water, invasive mussels retain water-borne toxins within their tissues, exposing mussel-eating fish and waterfowl to illnesses such as botulism. Increased water clarity caused by excessive filtration can also lead to a proliferation of benthic algae species, such as Cladophora, the decay of which contributes to foul-smelling “beach muck” seen across the Great Lakes. They were first discovered in the Great Lakes in 1988 and were first confirmed in the Duluth/Superior Harbor in 1989. The species was unintentionally introduced into the United States’ Great Lakes through the discharge of contaminated cargo ship ballast water. Some studies indicate that invasive mussels may even facilitate the establishment of other harmful invasive species like the rusty crayfish. The zebra mussel is native to Eastern Europe and Western Russia. Adorable animal face looking to the camera. The feeding of quagga mussels has dramatically reduced primary production in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and has contributed to basin-wide population crashes of species which are fundamental to food webs and fisheries such as Diporeia, an invertebrate species. Adorable animal face looking to the camera. Note: According to a study done on the food web of Lake Erie White fish in Lake Erie have adapted to now consume Zebra mussels as a primary food source.īlue Crabs- studied in the Hudson River, found to be a large consumer of Zebra Mussels in their primary diet.Through filter feeding, invasive mussels reduce the amount of phytoplankton available for other organisms and increase water clarity, changing the structure of local aquatic communities. Yes, those birds that eat your KFC scraps from the Walmart Figure 5 Example pictures of zebra and quagga mussels attached to various. Tufted Ducks- Not a Canadian species nor Migrant but confirmed sightings in the Great Lakes Region (top) compared to native mussels (bottom). The Greater Scaup (Blue Bill)- W ell known to include Zebra Mussels in its primary diet, and is a breeding resident on Lake Winnipeg 3 jars of murky water compared to one jar in which zebra mussels have been added The pictures. Round Gobie (found as an invasive in Canadian Waters ) Zebra & quagga mussels change the environment of Lake Simcoe. Ecologically, they filter enormous quantities of microscopic algae and alter energy flow through aquatic ecosystemsimpacting fish populations and smothering and causing. Their presence may greatly reduce lakefront property values and their sharp shells cut swimmer’s feet. However, many of them do not call Canada home nor use it as a migratory route.) Zebra mussels, though small, have huge impacts on our lakes. Zebra mussels on PDMS displayed a much stronger adhesion strength than quagga mussels on PDMS, which attached too weakly to measure (less than 1 kPa). Zebra mussels first appeared in the Hudson River in May. The data also showed that the numbers of. FPO Article Image The Short-Term Impact of the Zebra Mussel Invasion. (Perhaps the most well known predator of the Zebra Mussel, is the several species of Diving Ducks. The graphs showed that the zebra mussel population would increase and we see that dramatic increase in the picture. **Juvenile zebra mussels are so small they can only be consumed by filter feeders and small minnows.
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