Distribution and Dispersal of the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the Great Lakes Region

Abstract

Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), a small mussel common throughout most of Europe, was discovered in June of 1988 in the southern part of Lake St. Clair. Length–frequency analyses of populations from the Great Lakes and review of historical benthic studies suggest that the mussel was introduced into Lake St. Clair in late 1986, probably as a result of the discharge of ballast water from an ocean-crossing vessel. Following the 1990 reproductive season, Dreissena populations ranged from the head of the St. Clair River, through Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, Lake Erie, the Welland Canal, and the Niagara River to the western basin and southern shoreline of Lake Ontario. Isolated populations were found in the St. Lawrence River and in harbours in Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior. The rapid dispersal of this organism has resulted from its high fecundity, pelagic larval stage, bysso-pelagic drifting ability of juveniles, and human activities associated with commercial shipping, fishing, and boating (research and pleasure). Virtually any waterbody that can be reached by boaters and fisherman within a few days travel of the lower Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie, seems to be at risk of being invaded by this nuisance species.

Human-mediated dispersal of aquatic invertebrates with waterproof footwear

“…plants and invertebrates are among the main target groups of research on human-mediated dispersal (e.g., Griffiths et al 1991;Ansong and Pickering 2014). The majority of these studies focused on commercial transport (of goods such as seeds, soil, aquaria, and machinery) and on organisms attached to boats or in ship ballast waters (e.g., Carlton 1999;Reichard and White 2001;Escrivà et al 2012).…”

Seasonal and Annual Variation in Weight and Biochemical Content of the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, in Lake St. Clair

“…Populations in this area of the lake were among the first to become established in North America (Griffiths et al 1991), and densities increased lO-fold between 1988lO-fold between and 1989lO-fold between (Hebert et al 1991. Although changes in phytoplankton populations have not been previously documented, a decrease in turbidity of water exiting Lake St. Clair via the Detroit River indicates that food resources in the lake are now lower than when the mussel first became established (Hebert et al 1991).…”

Predation and physical environment structure the density and population size structure of zebra mussels

“…Thus, identification of the factors that influence zebra mussel density can provide a basis for understanding the capacity of populations to expand and to affect the ecology and economy of invaded aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, the length-frequency distribution (size structure) of zebra mussel populations can provide information on growth and survival of individual cohorts (Griffiths et al 1991, Mackie 1991 and valuable insight into the effects of this exotic species on ecosystem functioning (e.g., Naddafi et al 2008).…”