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Volunteer Zebra Mussel Monitoring ProgramContact InformationSteve Wells Please be patient as we are having some technical difficulties with our online reporting form. In the meantime you may submit your report via phone, email invasive@pdx.edu or regular mail. <<< CLICK HERE TO GO TO ZEBRA MUSSEL ON-LINE REPORTING FORM >>> Introduction
Size ranges of Zebra mussel Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are native to the Caspian Sea in Asia. They made their way to the Great Lakes Region via ballast water of a transatlantic vessel in the late 1980s. Within 10 years, zebra mussels colonized the Great Lakes and the Mississippi, Tennessee, Hudson, and Ohio River Basins. Over the next ten years, the US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates a potential economic impact of $5 billion to the US and Canada within the Great Lakes region alone.
Pipe clogged with Zebra mussels Zebra mussels are an extremely invasive species, causing far-reaching damage to water structures and native ecosystems. They attach to manmade structures, particularly concrete and pipeline, impeding water movement through hydroelectric turbines and intake structures for drinking water and irrigation systems. Zebra mussels are capable of filtering large quantities of water for feeding purposes. While this may appear to be beneficial, reduced phytoplankton impacts macroinvertebrates such as native clams. Additionally, increased water clarity may encourage unwanted rooted aquatic vegetation. Zebra mussel fecal material may also be contributing to taste and odor problems in drinking water sources. Westward SpreadTo prevent further spread of zebra mussels westward, the 100th Meridian Initiative has been coordinated between state, provincial, and federal agencies. Many mid-western and western states are gearing up for the 200th anniversary of the Lewis & Clark Voyage of Discovery, which among other things, will include the transport of boats from infested waterbodies to uninfested waterbodies on the west coast. Of particular concern is the Columbia River Basin, a historical route of the Lewis & Clark expedition. The Columbia River is a vital economic, social, and recreational component to the Pacific Northwest. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels to the Columbia River and its associated waterways in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming is the primary objective of the Zebra Mussel Monitoring Network coordinated by the Center for Lakes & Reservoirs. MonitoringPreventing the spread of zebra mussels to the Columbia River and its associated waterways in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming is the primary objective of the Zebra Mussel Monitoring Network coordinated by the Center for Lakes & Reservoirs.
PVC monitoring substrate The Zebra Mussel Monitoring Network coordinates volunteers throughout the West who have access to lakes and rivers. Volunteers are provided a PVC substrate to hang on their docks and monitor for zebra mussel colonization. Monthly reply cards are submitted by volunteers to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Volunteer Coordinator at the Center for Lakes & Reservoirs to indicate signs of colonization. If there is a positive sighting, authorities are alerted and further steps are taken to determine the extent of colonization. For additional information about becoming a volunteer please contact Steve Wells, Zebra Mussel Volunteer Monitoring Coordinator at 503-725-9076 or invasivespecies@pdx.edu
Monthly response card ResourcesFor additional information on zebra mussels: Download the volunteer monitoring card (pdf) |
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