Why are zebra mussels a problem?
• Zebra mussels are a problem because they filter water, up to a liter a day, to eat plankton. Although this filtering action may clear up the water, clear water does NOT mean clean water and the clear water zebra mussels leave behind will often lead to algal blooms that are harmful to people. The clear water can also let UV rays damage fish eggs laid during the spawn. • Larval fish and native mussels rely on this same plankton to survive. • Zebra mussels also clog pipes by forming colonies inside of the pipes. Then the water cannot flow through the pipes as easily. • Nationwide expenditures to control zebra mussels in electric generating plants are estimated at $145 million/year. How do zebra mussels spread? • Transport by people is the primary vector for the spread of zebra mussels to unconnected waters. • Zebra mussels will attach to a solid substrate and can be easily transported on recreational equipment. • Zebra mussel larvae (veligers) are about the diameter of a human hair and
