Credit: GLSGN Exotic Species Library
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Credit: GLSGN Exotic Species Library |
What is the best way to control the invasion and spread of Zebra Mussels in United States waters? |
| Introduction | Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are small, one inch long bivalve mollusks which are native to the Black and Caspian Seas in Eastern Europe. They invaded the Great Lakes region in the 1980s when ships from Europe dumped their ballast water in the Great Lakes. Zebra mussels spread rapidly through the mid-continent region of the United States, moving throughout the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River and many of its tributaries. Their need for a firm place to attach has caused them to colonize structures in the water, including bottoms of boats, inside surfaces of pipes, and the shells of native species of mollusks. Scientists have been working steadily to find a way to control these creatures. |
| Purpose of Activity | Students will study the ecology of a non-indigenous (exotic) species that is threatening ecological balance in U.S. lakes and rivers and causing millions of dollars worth of damage to human industries and structures. They will make a decision about the method of controlling the booming populations of zebra mussels. |