Management Tools for Dreissenid Mussels
Dreissenid mussels have posed an aquatic invasive species challenge in the United States since their arrival in the Great Lakes in the 1980s. Zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and Quagga (D. bugensis) mussels are filter feeders with high reproductive capacity. Their behaviors result in altered nutrient cycles, shifts in trophic structures, and extirpation of some native species in systems where they have established. Efforts to manage dreissenid populations have targeted adult stages of the mussel; however, treatments that target the veliger stage can reduce the cost of application, minimize adverse effects to nontarget organisms, and use lower concentrations of a control agent. Resource managers need a range of tools at their discretion to control all life stages of dreissenids. Low dose copper applications, carbon dioxide, and microparticle delivery of toxicants are being evaluated for their ability to reduce the populations of dreissenid mussels.
Evaluation of Copper as a Control Agent for Invasive Mussels
Principal Investigator – Diane Waller
USGS researchers are investigating novel methods for the use of copper in dreissenid mussel (zebra and quagga mussels) control. Our research includes laboratory assays and field applications with a focus on understanding influences on efficacy and quantifying nontarget impacts. Our research has been and is conducted in collaboration with academic institutions, such as the University of Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, as well as federal agencies, including the US Bureau of Reclamation, US Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Evaluation of Carbon Dioxide to Control Dreissenid Mussels
Principal Investigator – Diane Waller
Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been suggested as a chemical control for a variety of invasive aquatic organisms, including Invasive Carp. USGS researchers and partners evaluated the efficacy of low CO2 concentrations for preventing zebra mussel larval (veliger) settlement during summer 2019 in a harbor of the upper Mississippi River. The lowest CO2 concentration that was tested was effective for preventing all mussel settlement during the summer. Impacts to native species, including unionid mussels and aquatic macroinvertebrates, were minimal. USGS will partner with Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to explore application scenarios for CO2 in closed and open systems to prevent dreissenid settlement.
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Development of Selective Control Tools
Principal Investigator – Diane Waller
As invasive zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively), known as dreissenid mussels, continue their expansion throughout North America, the need to develop selective control tools has become critical for resource managers. Registered molluscicides for dreissenid control are limited, and often must be applied within or under a barrier to achieve effective concentrations. While these applications can achieve high mussel mortality, they can be costly, limited in spatial coverage, and potentially harm nontarget species.
Dreissenid mussels have posed an aquatic invasive species challenge in the United States since their arrival in the Great Lakes in the 1980s. Zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and Quagga (D. bugensis) mussels are filter feeders with high reproductive capacity. Their behaviors result in altered nutrient cycles, shifts in trophic structures, and extirpation of some native species in systems where they have established. Efforts to manage dreissenid populations have targeted adult stages of the mussel; however, treatments that target the veliger stage can reduce the cost of application, minimize adverse effects to nontarget organisms, and use lower concentrations of a control agent. Resource managers need a range of tools at their discretion to control all life stages of dreissenids. Low dose copper applications, carbon dioxide, and microparticle delivery of toxicants are being evaluated for their ability to reduce the populations of dreissenid mussels.
Evaluation of Copper as a Control Agent for Invasive Mussels
Principal Investigator – Diane Waller
USGS researchers are investigating novel methods for the use of copper in dreissenid mussel (zebra and quagga mussels) control. Our research includes laboratory assays and field applications with a focus on understanding influences on efficacy and quantifying nontarget impacts. Our research has been and is conducted in collaboration with academic institutions, such as the University of Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, as well as federal agencies, including the US Bureau of Reclamation, US Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
-------------------------------------------------------
Evaluation of Carbon Dioxide to Control Dreissenid Mussels
Principal Investigator – Diane Waller
Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been suggested as a chemical control for a variety of invasive aquatic organisms, including Invasive Carp. USGS researchers and partners evaluated the efficacy of low CO2 concentrations for preventing zebra mussel larval (veliger) settlement during summer 2019 in a harbor of the upper Mississippi River. The lowest CO2 concentration that was tested was effective for preventing all mussel settlement during the summer. Impacts to native species, including unionid mussels and aquatic macroinvertebrates, were minimal. USGS will partner with Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to explore application scenarios for CO2 in closed and open systems to prevent dreissenid settlement.
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Development of Selective Control Tools
Principal Investigator – Diane Waller
As invasive zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively), known as dreissenid mussels, continue their expansion throughout North America, the need to develop selective control tools has become critical for resource managers. Registered molluscicides for dreissenid control are limited, and often must be applied within or under a barrier to achieve effective concentrations. While these applications can achieve high mussel mortality, they can be costly, limited in spatial coverage, and potentially harm nontarget species.