zebra mussels – Aquarius-Systems

Long-Term Aquatic Plant Management on Lake Ripley

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:48:07 +0000

Property Values Rise on Zebra Mussel Infested Lakes

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:16:07 +0000

A University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh economics student spent two years researching the relationship between zebra mussels and property values and came to a counterintuitive conclusion: The value of lakefront properties in central and northern Wisconsin with the invasive mollusks actually increased, compared to properties where mussels are not found.

A single mussel, the size of thumbnail, can filter a liter of water in a day. The ability to siphon and strip water of phytoplankton and other suspended material can rob a lake, river or stream of critical nutrients.

Zebra mussel populations can multiply quickly and blanket areas they invade. The annual cost of keeping water intake systems free of
the mussels is about $250 million in the Great Lakes region, according to the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute.

Zebra mussels also have been tied to outbreaks of toxin-producing blue-green algae. Swimmers are known to cut their feet on the shells. And along Lake Michigan, zebra mussels play a role in making many beaches smelly and unwelcoming because they spur the growth of a type of algae known as Cladophora, which washes ashore with the mussels and other organic material and rots.

But zebra mussels’ filtering ability also produces an undeniable result: It improves water clarity. Also, some fish species, such as smallmouth bass, have benefited when the mussel is present, since clearer water spurs the growth of weedy plants favored by some fish.

It’s these attributes — clearer water and bass-friendly — that has had a positive effect on some lakeside properties.

Read More https://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/2014/03/29/study-property-values-rise-on-mussel-infested-lakes/7012463/

How to Combat Aquatic Invasive Species – Make Beer!

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:06:46 +0000

On tap is the Excelsior’s latest brew called the Milfoil Lakehouse Saison Ale. It has an “exotic, invasive flavor,” they say, from ingredients like Minnetonka honey and Minnesota wild rice, as well as a dash of Eurasian milfoil and zebra mussel shells.

That’s right – the aquatic invasive species can be intentionally consumed for your pleasure without accidentally taking in a mouthful of lake water.

Texas Freeze Did Not Stop Zebra Mussels Tilapia and Other Invasive Species

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 18:38:44 +0000

Not even a historic week of freezing temperatures and record-setting snowfall last month could mitigate some of the toughest and most threatening invasive species known to central Texas, biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say.

While many of native Texas wildlife were injured or killed by the winter weather, some invasive critters such as zebra mussels, tilapia and maybe even apple snails fared just fine, said Monica McGarrity, a senior scientist at Texas Parks and Wildlife who specializes in aquatic invasive species.

Read More https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/02/26/some-austins-toughest-invasive-species-survive-freeze-biologists-say/6821488002/

Zebra Mussels Can Increase Microcystis Harmful Algal Blooms

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 15:16:14 +0000

While invasive zebra mussels consume small plant-like organisms called phytoplankton, Michigan State University researchers discovered during a long-term study that zebra mussels can actually increase Microcystis, a type of phytoplankton known as “blue-green algae” or cyanobacteria, that forms harmful floating blooms.

Zebra mussels can filter out the Microcystis with other particles, but then they spit out the Microcystis because evidently it is unpalatable to them. The researchers suspected the zebra mussels were consuming competitors of Microcystis, which paved the way for the cyanobacteria to flourish under lower nutrient availability than it usually needs.

Montana Boat and Seaplane Inspections Help Prevent Invasive Mussels From Spreading

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 21:07:46 +0000

Keeping aquatic invasive species out of Montana bodies of water, specifically invasive mussels, is very important to protecting the native fish and plant species in the area.

Researchers said cleaning, draining and drying boats is nearly 100% effective at keeping AIS out of Montana. That is why boat inspections are required in the state. Seaplanes are also required to undergo inspection.

According to the Seaplane Pilots Association, pilots are strong advocates for the protection of those waterways. Pacific Northwest seaplane pilots created a program that allows pilots to perform their own invasive species inspections. Seaplane pilots annually take an online AIS training course, take a test and receive completion certificate.

The training shows participants how to analyze seaplane aircraft for contamination and, if detected, how to rid the invasive species from the craft.

Zebra Mussels and Their Impact on Lakes, Recreation, and Industry

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:50:08 +0000

We focus a lot on aquatic invasive plants, just because that is our business – but there is another invasive species that certainly deserves some print on our blog. It is partically because of them that weed harvesters are needed.

Zebra mussels, a freshwater aquatic nuisance, which grow to about the size of a dime and live up to eight years, are rapidly invading North American lakes.

Zebra mussels have three main effects on the water bodies they invade.

1. Ecological

Zebra mussels siphon a liter of water per day to live. They act as filters and clear the water of food necessary for small larval fish to survive – ultimately starving the top of the food chain – the walleye, catfish, and Northern Pike. The clear water is certainly desirable, but water that is too clear allows sunlight to reach the bottom creating ideal growing conditions for invasive aquatic plants like watermilfoil and flowering rush.

2. Recreational

Clear waters as mentioned above not only kill off fish leaving anglers to find new fishing spots, but the number of invasive aquatic plants make water transportation difficult often getting tangled in engine propellers. The additional plant growth hinders swimming, boating, and paddling/canoeing. The zebra mussels can cause bodily harm with their razor-sharp shells and because they attach themselves to hard surfaces such as docks and boats, they are easily spread from lake to lake.

3. Industrial

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated zebra mussels have cost Great Lakes region’s water and power plants close to $5 billion in the past decade to clear clogged intake pipes. Annually zebra mussel-related maintenance was estimated to be around $100 – $200 million.