Zebra Mussel Presentation, by Chris Wigman Biology November 20, 2011

Zebra Mussel Taxonomy Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Bivalvia Order: Veneroida Superfamily: Dreissenoidea Family: Dressenidae Genus: Dreissena Species: D. polymorpha Zebra Mussel attached to a clam Quagga Mussel Taxonomy Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Bivalvia Order: Veneroida Superfamily: Dreissenoidea Family: Dressenidae Genus: Dreissena Species: D. rostriformis bugensis

Zebra and Quagga mussels are an invasive species in North America, first seen in They are believed to have been brought to this continent via ships from Europe, transported in the ballast water of the vessels. Their native range is the Black, Caspian, and Azov Seas. Species Globalization Dumping Ballast Water Map of the mussels native seas.

The mussels get their name from the striped pattern of their shells, though not all shells bear this pattern. They're usually about fingernail size but can grow to a maximum length of nearly 2 inches.

These invasive mussels live 4 to 5 years and inhabit fresh water at depths of 6 to 24 feet, but have adapted to greater depths reaching 80 feet.

Utah Waters Infected with the Zebra and Quagga MONSTERS Electric Lake in South Eastern Utah (Zebra) Red Fleet Res. in Northeastern Utah (Quagga) Sand Hollow in Southern Utah (Quagga) Utah’s Inconclusive Waters Joe’s Valley Res. Huntington Res. Midview Res. (Ute Tribe Waters) Pelican Lake A female zebra mussel begins to reproduce at 2 years of age, and Produces between 30,000 and 1 million eggs per year. About two percent of zebra mussels reach adulthood.

Bysall Threads & Collective Survival Bysall threads give them a strong hold to the environment. Keeping them from being swept away in water currents. This also gives stability as many mussels will grow together near the same age. Collectively they will survive harsh water conditions as well as being smashed. Single mussels are very weak but together they can with stand heavy smashing damage. Harbors and marinas are excellent environments for these mussels to thrive and establish a new habitat. Reproduction Male and female live near one another. This is important when they are re-producing. The males will release their sperm and the females will filter it out of the water to fertilize their eggs. This can happen often through out the year. NOTE: In Utah they could mate 2 – 3 times a year depending on water temp. Interesting Facts of Mussel Survival

PVC piping and Net used to collect growing populations of mussels. Pumping water through collection Filters allows fauna to be captured where one can study Zebra and Quagga veligers. Micro mesh nets can be towed behind a boat very slowly to collect Veligers. These nets can also be used to do vertical capture by letting them sink to a desired depth and pulling back so the surface. How can you find evidence of Mussels in differing waterways?

This is how they can do a capture study on the mussels. You can simply get 2 – 4 in. PVC pipe and netting to capture the veligers which develop into adults within the pipes. This is a volunteer study process in the Midwest where everyone can be learning about the problem. This makes it personal and the public becomes more part of the process to slow the spread of mussels. Once these invasive mussels reach maturity they will anchor down permanently. This could be in culinary water systems, irrigation systems, beachfronts, as well as your boat’s cooling system. Anyway you put it these mussels end up costing multi-millions of dollars in repairs. $$$,$$$,$$$,$$$.00

Zebra Mussel Life Cycle

Young mussels are small and free swimming, which can be easily spread by water currents. Older zebra mussels attach themselves to hard surfaces by an external organ called a byssus, which consists of many threads. The mussels may attach to boats, pilings, water-intake pipes, and other hard surfaces, as well as to crayfish, turtles, other zebra mussels, and native mollusks. While zebra mussels can attach themselves securely, they may also move, and can reattach themselves easily if dislodged by storms. Veligers are microscopic and drift in water currents until they have developed enough to settle out and form a new colony.

Is there a native predator we can use to combat the mussels? Mussels have a native predator that is an invasive species! INVADER: Round Goby NATIVE: Black Mottled Sculpin Can grow to 10 inches, and prefers to eat something other than zebra mussels. Will stay small and very docile. Does not eat the zebra mussels. There are predators to the zebra mussels, but with their fast reproduction it will not dent their population growth. Aquatic Birds, Crayfish, Sheephead (Fresh Water Drum), and Perch are some predators that feed on young zebra mussels.

CLOSE RELATIVES The Zebra Mussel vs. Quagga Mussel Dissimilar Morphology Zebra “Versus” Quagga

Environmental Impact and Change from Zebra and Quagga Mussels Jeremy Jackson explained how we experience a baseline shift in water ecology. Below are pictures we put together to show this change and what is affected. Before the Zebra Invasion of 1988After the invasion. What is Affected? Zebra mussels upset ecosystems, threaten native aquatic wildlife, damage structures, and cause other serious problems. Millions of dollars are spent each year in attempting to control these small but numerous mollusks. $200M+ is spent within the Great Lakes Region to and that cost is rising.

1. Harmful Algae Blooms Nuisance blooms of the toxic blue-green algae Microcystis have returned to many portions of the Great Lakes since These recent blooms started a few years after the invasion of zebra mussels and their cousins the Quagga mussels in the Great Lakes. 2. Benthic Algae They are very effective filter feeders, with dense populations, the zebra mussels remove large amounts of small nutrient rich matter from the water column. The water becomes very clear allowing increased light penetration. This produces a significant increase in bottom area algae growth. 3. Fish Breeding Habitat Infested Most of all fish beds are accompanied by Zebra and Quagga mussels. They filter out all the needed nutrients for eggs to develop in and also change the pH where eggs may cease to grow. Fish fry compete for food and most will not survive due to the stress from invasive species. Lake Trout numbers have dropped some 95% from 1996 – Are Utahans Going to Accept the Ecosystem Changes or Make a Difference?

Where is the change?

Mike with a 31-1/2” Brown TroutSalmon and Lake Trout 2010 Now In the days When…! Examples of Baseline Shift on Lake Michigan

Zebra mussels are changing the ecology; where ever they invade. This puts a new meaning to,… “Piggy Back”.

Any ideas on what we can do? Zebra and Quagga mussels are bio-assimilating. Whatever poisons and toxins are in the water they will filter out and store in their shell. That storage process is called Bio-accumulation. In Wisconsin and other states you can not move the shells, because it qualifies as hazardous materials.

What about Utah? Who Makes a Difference? Simple put,… You DO!!!

Evan Freeman: Is a Utah DWR biologist who is in charge of Central regions AIS program. He has been most instrumental in creating Utah’s plan of action to control the spread of Zebra and Quagga mussels. He is not only my Boss, but a role model in his desire to educate Utahans on protecting and preserving Utah waterways. Visit to see some of his work to empower boaterswww.stopthemussels.org with knowledge to prevent the spread of mussels. Evan also has awesome fish stories.

Decontaminate your boat… and more! Utah has put in place a law which prohibits the spread of these mussels by any watercraft, vessel, or equipment that is used in infested or possibly infested bodies of water. (Rule R Located at wildlife.utah.gov/rules) *** There are two ways to decontaminate your boat after pulling it out of the water. Following these steps after leaving the water will help prevent any spread of mussels. 1.CLEAN: Remove all mud, plants, and animals, and thoroughly wash the entire conveyance* used while enjoying the water. 2.DRAIN: Before leaving the water area drain all water from your conveyance. ie., Boats: live wells, ballast tanks, engine cooling system, holding tanks, ect… 3.DRY: Allow the proper drying time to completely dry out your conveyance before launching into another body of water. A. 7 days in the Summer months. B. 18 days in Spring and Fall C. 30 days in Winter or a 3 day period of freeze time. *Conveyance – Any piece of equipment that may transport the mussels. A few examples are boats, trailers, paddle boards, canoes, scuba gear, or float tubes. Make a list of your conveyance equipment to help wrap your mind around protecting waters and ultimately your recreation areas.

Decontamination is the only way to stop the spread of these destructive mussels. It does not harm your boat. It can actually prevent damage on your boat by removing mussels that would clog engine cooling systems, drive units, pumps and hoses. Help STOP Aquatic Hitchhikers! Professional Decontamination Services For a professional decontamination you can call in the northern region, in the northeastern region, in the central region, in the southern region, or in the southeastern region. Professional decontamination is an alternative method (generally a free service) available at many Utah waters. Certified personnel will wash your trailer and boat inside and out—flushing your ballast tanks, bilge, livewells and motor with high- pressure, scalding (140° F) water. This method is effective and does not harm your boat.

Some Controls For Invasive Mussels Prevention in #1 Priority Chemicals Biocides Heat Toxic Metals (copper, bronze, zinc, gold, etc) Surface Coatings Physical Removal Water Speed (over 6.6cfs) Freezing Filters Electrical Barriers Cathodic Barriers Ozone UV Light Acoustics

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Reference Web Sites “Or just search for zebra mussel” *Images were used without written permission.