1. Invasive Species Case Study
Quagga Mussel

2. The Problem…

3. Native Range
The Quagga mussel is native to the Dnieper river in the Ukraine.

4. Physiology and Ecology
Small freshwater bivalves (15-20mm)
Filter feeders that remove phytoplankton and zooplankton from the water
One adult mussel can produce one million eggs per year
Larvae settle on hard surfaces and mud and live there until adulthood

5. Introduction to North America
Found in Lake Erie in 1989
Carried in ballast water in ships
Spread through the movement of water
Carried on the hulls of boats over land

6. Spread of the Quagga

7. Impact of Invasive Quaggas
Reduce food supply for zooplankton
Increase water clarity and aquatic plants
Waste decomposes and decreases oxygen
Accumulate toxins
Clog water intake valves
May displace native mussels

8. Prevention and Removal
Limit ballast water dumping
Require cleaning of boats
Chemical controls are harmful to other aquatic life
Plasma sparkers prevent attachment to substrate
Manual scraping may remove some mussels