Why are Zebra Mussels a Concern?
Zebra mussels can impact lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers and streams. Zebra mussels may harm sport and commercial fisheries by reducing food availability (plankton) necessary for larval fish development. They can increase the bioaccumulation of contaminants like PCBs and mercury in fish. Since zebra mussels were originally brought into the Great Lakes in 1988 in the ballast water of ocean-going vessels, they have caused the decline and, in some cases, local extinction of native freshwater mussels in Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and parts of the Illinois River. Because zebra mussels filter particles from the water and increase water clarity, rooted aquatic plants are now choking many marinas, boat basins and harbors in the Great Lakes area. The many impacts zebra mussels have on ecosystems vary from one location to another and may take time to appear. Zebra mussels can affect shoreland owners and their property by attaching to boats, motors, docks, pilings, and swimming platforms. They cl
