Dramatic Decline of Unionid Bivalves in Offshore Waters of Western Lake Erie After Infestation by the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha

Abstract

Unionid bivalves and attached epizoic zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were collected at one index station in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and at 17 stations in 1991 in offshore waters of western Lake Erie of the Laurentian Great Lakes. Sampling at the index station revealed that the proportion of live unionids declined from 53% in September 1989 to 17% in May–June 1990 and to 0% in September 1990: this 100% mortality coincided with heavy infestation by zebra mussels. Quantitative sampling with a Ponar grab at the 17 stations in 1991 revealed a widespread and dramatic reduction in unionid populations. In 1982, five unionid species occurred at 35% of the stations at a density of 4/m2, whereas in 1991, no live unionid species were found. Qualitative sampling with an epibenthic sled at the 17 stations in 1991 yielded only 4 live specimens of 2 species (Amblema plicata plicata and Fusconaia flava) and 187 dead specimens of 10 species. These and other results indicate that unionid populations are being negatively affected by zebra mussels in the Great Lakes. Similar impacts on unionids are expected to occur where zebra mussels become abundant throughout North America.

Removal of enteric viruses and Escherichia coli from municipal treated effluent by zebra mussels

“…The impact of river colonization by these mussels has been considered one of the most important ecological changes in freshwater systems, both for the drop in biodiversity and for the socio-economic problems they can cause (Sanz-Ronda et al, 2014;Stankovic and Jovic, 2013). The ability of zebra mussels to attach and foul structures has also caused problems in the withdrawal of drinking water and electric-power plants (Schloesser and Nalepa, 1994) and their ability to colonize the surfaces of all solid structures in the water have caused nuisances to fishermen (Schloesser and Nalepa, 1994). On the other hand, they have also modified the aquatic environment, making the habitat more suitable for themselves and other organisms (Stankovic and Jovic, 2013).…”

Development of populations of Dreissena polymorpha (Pall.) in lakes

“…For example, several hundred Unionidae collected from the Lake St. Clair represented 18 species in 1986, 12 species in 1992, and only 5 species in 1994, only 6 individuals being alive among those collected in 1994 (NALEPA et al 1996). In the western part of the Lake Erie, not a single live unionid was found several years after the mussel invasion, whereas in earlier years 5-8 species were found there (SCHLOESSER & NALEPA 1994). A similarly dramatic situation is observed in water courses of this region (TUCKER et al 1993, TUCKER 1994, RICCIARDI et al 1996, STRAYER & SMITH 1996, SCHLOESSER et al 1998, and others).…”

Efficacy of <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i> strain CL145A spray dried powder for controlling zebra mussels adhering to native unionid mussels within field enclosures

“…Heavy zebra mussel colonization may contribute to starvation of the unionid through reduced intake of food and increased metabolic costs (Baker and Hornbach, 1997;Strayer and Malcom, 2007). Heavily colonized unionid mussels may lack the energy stores required to survive winter, and their ability to burrow into the sediment to avoid winter or other environmental stressors is impeded (Nalepa, 1994;Schloesser and Nalepa, 1994). Colonization by zebra mussels causes declines in unionid mussel populations and is dependent upon zebra mussel density, biomass, time since invasion, and substrate type (Burlakova and others, 2000).…”