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Zebra Mussels have been found in multiple locations throughout Wellington Lake in Kansas (KMUW 2015). This is yet another lake to become exposed to the invasive species. You may or may not have heard about the freshwater species that originated in Russian area lakes and rivers, or how they arrived in the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River (Hoddle 2010). Most importantly, what are the issues they cause us and how do we solve them?
Let’s begin with the species themselves. Zebra mussels are a small, brown and cream coloured freshwater clam (pictured above) that feed on phytoplankton in water by filtering up to one litre of water per day (Invading Species 2006). Female zebras are able to produce up to one million eggs. These hatch into larvae during warmer seasons and eventually develop a shell and settle onto hard surfaces where they secrete a sticky fibre and live for two to five years (Invading Species 2006).
This rapid reproduction leads to environmental and structural issues when they face no predators. Most fish cannot crush their shells, so only specialized fish with strong jaws or teeth such as the Roach native to Europe. These predators live in a natural balance in the Eurasian regions of the world. It is believed though that in the 1980s some zebra mussels were attached in the ballast tanks of cargo ships from these Eurasian regions and when the water was drained near the Great Lakes, the zebra mussels flowed with it (Invading Species 2006).
These mussels, facing no predators, were able to feast on the once plankton filled waters of the Great Lakes and other freshwater regions and reproduce at an alarming rate. The main issues that arose from this mass invasion are:
Reduce the effects of invasive species by using ROVs for structural inspections
The economic impact of the species is expected to be in the BILLIONS of dollars (Missouri Department of Conservation 2015). So how do we get rid of them? The number one method being presented by the majority of authorities is inspection by boat owners. Ship hulls and engines make prime real estate for the mussels and if they are transported to a region that has yet to be affected, it will quickly become victimized.
Various chemicals, mechanical scrapings and filters are being used as well, but are expensive and time consuming. It is important that these methods are used only when the infestation has taken over an area completely. Keeping eyes underwater and inspecting regularly is the best way to keep the zebra mussels under control and recognize when they are becoming an issue.
The DTG3 Expert makes the perfect tool for inspections and can even be used to sample and remove mussels.
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