1. INVASION OF THE ZEBRA (Dreissenia polymorpha) Andrew Allen Dec. 2003

2. History of our little banded bivalve Native to basin of the Black Caspian and Aral Seas of Eastern Europe Introduction to U.S. in 1988 –Lake St. Claire –Carried in ballast water of transoceanic ships

4. St. Clair, Michigan in June 1988 By September, 1991 found in all five Great lakes, St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes Region of New York, throughout the Mississippi River basin Expected to infest most areas within the next five to ten years

9. But Andrew..What is a Zebra Mussel? Adult is characterized by the following: -Semi D Shape -Bivalved shell -Alternating light and dark brown or black banding -About 5 cm (2 inches).

11. The Life of a Zebra

12. Which list is the zebra on?

13. ….but why… Tolerant in wide range of conditions (salt water) High level of reproduction Does not require host Very Successful colonizers Rapid colony growth Colonize where ever there is oxygen and particulate food Very high concentration Favor native mussels are substrate –Lethal of other species –Change in aquatic ecosystem

14. -Zebras are filter feeders -Extract large amounts of phytoplankton (1 L per day) -Prevent native species from feeding growing, moving, and reproduction -Creating a high level of competition with other organisms -Increase in UV sunlight penetration -Clog intake pipes of industrial/water treatment sites -Attach to hulls, engines, and other submerged equipment

15. What is being done? Possible controls: –Chemical Molluscicides: Oxidizing and Non-Oxidizing –Manual removal –Dewatering/Desiccation (freezing, heated air) –Thermal (steam injection, hot water >32 C –Acoustical Vibration –Electrical Current –Filters & Screens –Coating of materials –Toxic constructed pipes –Ultraviolet Light –Anoxia/Hypoxia –Flushing –Biological (predators, parasites, diseases

16. …what can I do to help? Education Monitoring Behavior

17. ….Never trust a penguin…