![]() ![]() After identifying a high risk of introduction in 2019, we offered training on means of early detection as part of the monitoring program for the species, which eventually led to the early discovery of zebra mussels in the fall of 2021. This is what we did with the organization Bleu Massawippi, which we have been supporting with zebra mussel efforts in Lake Massawippi in the Estrie region for a few years. A monitoring protocol must then be carefully developed to detect introduction quickly and, if necessary, develop an emergency response plan in conjunction with key stakeholders. To limit the ecological and economic repercussions, it is important to implement a comprehensive action plan that includes a risk assessment of introduction into the waterway and then deployment of prevention and awareness measures. However, despite the likelihood of the species being introduced into their waterways, a number of regions like Estrie have been spared until recently thanks to the cleaning stations that have been in place since the early 2000s. Almost all of Ontario’s susceptible water bodies have been affected in just a few years. This is unlike Ontario and the United States, where expansion has been very rapid. Repeat after every visit to a new waterwayĪpplied early, these four steps appear to have limited the spread of zebra mussels into Quebec’s waterways.Empty out and drain all water from the craft.Inspect the watercraft and remove any organisms that have become attached. ![]() For that reason, the response relies on prevention.įour methods of prevention and control have been developed by Quebec’s Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, along with establishment of cleaning stations, to prevent aquatic invasive species from being introduced and spreading. Only local action and mitigation measures are usually possible. It is nearly impossible to eradicate, dislodge, or contain the spread of this pest. Once the zebra mussel has entered a waterway, it is practically too late. In short: In addition to the considerable ecological impact of zebra mussels on aquatic ecosystems, an entire sector of the economy also pays a price. Lastly, the diminished appeal of recreation and tourism can drive down residential and commercial property values and lead to higher maintenance costs for docks and marine equipment. The decline in fish populations due to the lack of available nutrients also affects the sport fishing industry, which is highly popular among waterfront residents. This can result in beach closures and limit the use of watercraft, which has an impact on regional recreation and tourist activities. The shells are sharp and hazardous to swimmers and also give off a strong odour due to decomposition in the masses of shells. Once attached, the mussels gather in clusters atop one another, obstructing hydraulic systems and limiting the supply of water, in addition to doing considerable damage to marine equipment and waterfront facilities.ĭue to the mussels’ high density, rapid proliferation, and short life span, shells accumulate over time on beaches and lakeshores. It can quickly attach to watercraft, docks, and buoys, but also to dams and walls of water intake structures, which supply municipalities, industries, and private properties with water. ![]() Unlike native freshwater mussels, the zebra mussel has a unique ability to attach to any solid surface using filaments on its shell. Furthermore, due to its substantial filtration capacity, the zebra mussel increases the transparency of the water, which fosters undesirable growth of aquatic plants and certain types of cyanobacteria, like blue-green algae, which is harmful to human health. By reducing the amount of food and nutrients available, the zebra mussel creates a kind of “food desert” in which algae and bacteria proliferate, such as avian botulism, which can decimate bird populations. As a result, the zebra mussel disrupts the entire ecosystem and can lead to a decline in many aquatic and land-based species that frequent these bodies of water. The amount of food available to other organisms like young fish and invertebrates is therefore significantly reduced. This filtering action also reduces densities of microorganisms like phytoplankton and zooplankton, which form the base of the food chain in lakes. When it feeds, a zebra mussel can filter up to a litre of water per day, depriving other species of nutrients like chlorophyll. Their key feature is their ability to reproduce and spread, as females can lay anywhere from 40,000 to 1,000,000 eggs per year. Adult mussels measure from 1 to 4.5 centimeters (cm) and can live three to five years. Zebra mussels are a freshwater mollusc that has a characteristic “D” shape and white or beige stripes. ![]()
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