What Effect do Zebra Mussels Have?
Zebra mussels are filter-feeders, animals that strain food and nutrients out of flowing water. This has the effect of reducing pollution in lake systems and allowing for greater sunlight penetration. The positive effects of the Zebra Mussel to Lake Erie ecology can be seen by the reduction of eutrophication of Lake Erie(1) as well as increased water quality(2). This does not mean that Zebra mussels are beneficial. They are quite a nuisance to people because of their tendency to attach themselves to any man-made structure submerged in the water. The mussels will attach themselves to any stable material, including other species of mussel. This gives them a habit of killing off native shellfish species and becoming the dominant mollusk. The Zebra mussel also shifts the balance of the ecosystem. In Lake Erie it has been shown to increase the population of Smallmouth Bass, which have benefited from the increased amount of food Zebra mussels provide. Contents 1 Zebra Watch 2 References 3 Rel
