How do zebra mussels contribute to the Cladophora problem?
Prior to the invasion of zebra mussels, Lake Michigan waters were quite turbid, and as a result light did not penetrate deep into the lake. (See the figure below left.) Cladophora, therefore, was limited to shallow water along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Zebra mussels, now abundant where it is rocky, filter the water, thereby greatly increasing light penetration. This may allow for an increase in the abundance and depth distribution of Cladophora. (See figure below right.
