First appearing in North American waters in 1988, the Eurasian zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) has rapidly colonized freshwater systems and can now be found in all of the Great Lakes as well as rivers large and small across the United States and Canada. Halting its spread has proven to be a significant undertaking, with researchers and policymakers fanning out to try and contain the harmful nonnative species. Researchers have long assumed that transient recreational boating provides a conduit for zebra mussels to be transported to inland lakes. A new study published in the December issue of Ecological Applications provides insight into the ecological risks posed by this popular recreational activity.

The zebra mussel is damaging to both human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. Large groupings of the mussels clog pipes of power plants, water, and sewage treatment sites. The weight of mussels has even been known to sink buoys and navigational aids. Ecologically the mussels are adversely affecting native mussels by interfering with their feeding, growth, movement, respiration, and reproduction. For example, scientists have found that where zebra mussel densities are highest, the number of native mussels is dramatically lower than normal levels.

With many rivers and lakes already playing host to the zebra mussel, it is important to assess the risk of spreading the interloping species to new water bodies. To that end, Ladd Johnson of Laval University in Canada, Anthony Riccardi of McGill University, and James Carlton of Williams College, examined the destinations of recreational boats and their ability to transport the adult and larval stages of this invader. Their findings are surprising.

It had been assumed that mussel dispersal from boat launches occurred by direct attachment to transient boats. The researchers found that this is not the case; "During the course of the study it became apparent that the conventional wisdom wa
'"/>

Contact: Andrew Freedman
andrew@esa.org
202-833-8773
Ecological Society of America
6-Dec-2001

Page: 1 2 3 4
Related biology news :

1. AIBS tapped to coordinate design of ecological observatories
2. NSF awards $10 million in grants to ocean sites for long-term ecological research
3. The Mediterranean connection: ecological effects of El Nio in the Northern hemisphere
4. Model shows long-held constant in ocean nutrient ratio may vary as ecological conditions change
5. The ecological equivalent of Ellis Island: from ancestry to biodiversity
6. Symposium relates long-term ecological research to ecosystem management
7. Scripps team part of collaboration that reveals first ecological genomic blueprints
8. University of Pittsburgh study links gynecological complaint to increased risk for herpes
9. Twenty-years of long-term ecological research: National Science Foundation releases review report
10. Mooney to receive 2002 Blue Planet Prize in recognition of pioneering ecological research
11. Corporations and environmentalists can be allies to reduce industrys ecological footprint