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Volunteer Zebra Mussel Monitoring ProgramContact InformationSteve Wells Introduction
Size ranges of zebra and quagga mussels Zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (D. bugensis) 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 1980’s. Within 10 years, these mussels colonized the Great Lakes and the Mississippi, Tennessee, Hudson, and Ohio River Basins. These mussels recently colonized water bodies in western US, including the lower Colorado River and the associated aqueduct systems in southern California and Arizona. 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 and quagga mussels are an extremely invasive species, causing far-reaching damage to water structures and native ecosystems. These freshwater mussels attach to manmade structures, particularly concrete and pipeline, impeding water movement through hydroelectric turbines and intake structures for drinking water and irrigation systems. Zebra and quagga mussels are capable of filtering large quantities of water for feeding purposes. While this may appear beneficial, reduced phytoplankton impacts macroinvertebrates such as native clams. Additionally, increased water clarity may encourage unwanted rooted aquatic vegetation. Zebra and quagga mussels’ fecal material may also contribute to taste and odor problems with drinking water sources. Stopping the SpreadThe 100th Meridian Initiative has been coordinated between state, provincial, and federal agencies to prevent the further spread of zebra and quagga mussels as well as other invasive species. Zebra and quagga mussels are easily spread because of human mediated vectors and hydrologic connections. Juvenile and adult mussels attach to solid substrates with byssal threads, but they can also detach and crawl to new locations on their foot. These mussels are transported to new water bodies by trailered watercraft and other equipment in contact with the water. Zebra and quagga mussels have planktonic larvae that are easily dispersed with water currents and ballast water. In order to stop the spread, the 100th Meridian Initiative has brought together all the stakeholders to pool resources and increase coordination and efficacy of their efforts.
The byssal threads of a quagga mussel
The planktonic larvae of guagga mussels MonitoringPreventing the spread of zebra and quagga mussels to the Columbia River Basin is the primary objective of the Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring Program coordinated by the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs. The Columbia River is a vital economic, social, and recreational component of the Pacific Northwest.
An artifical settlement substrate used for monitoring, often called a "Portland Sampler" The Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring Program coordinates volunteers throughout the West who have access to lakes and rivers. Volunteers are provided artificial settlement substrates to hang on their docks and monitor for mussel colonization. Reply cards are submitted by volunteers to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Volunteer Coordinator at the Center for Lakes and 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. ONLINE MONITORING REPORTING FORM Early detection monitoring is difficult because newly established populations are inherently rare, these mussels are spatially clumped, and there is a lot of potential habitat. More people looking in more places increases the likelihood of detection. The artificial settlement substrates are effective but limited in surface area. Every solid object in the water is a settlement monitoring device. Turn over rocks . Feel along the undersides of docks. Inspections are both visual and tactile.
Zebra mussels attached to the sides of a rock
Monthly response card - Download the volunteer monitoring card (pdf) Early detection efforts are also focused on the planktonic larvae. Larvae are collected with a plankton net. The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs maintains a laboratory that inspects plankton samples for the presence of these mussel larvae using cross-polarized microscopy.
Plankton sample being collected by US Army Corps of Engineers staff. For additional information about becoming a volunteer please contact Steve Wells, Zebra Mussel Volunteer Monitoring Coordinator at 503-725-9075 or invasive@pdx.edu ResourcesFor additional information on zebra and quagga mussels: USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species |
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