Tackling Invasive Mussels with Science and Strategy

In recognition of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, join us for a Friday's Findings webinar exploring cutting-edge USGS research on dreissenid mussel management and control.

About This Webinar

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (D. bugensis) are among the top ten most costly aquatic invasive species, causing substantial adverse economic and ecological effects across the United States. USGS research on dreissenid mussels addresses all aspects of biological invasion, including risk assessment, monitoring, and control strategies.

Diane Waller will present three diverse projects, each addressing critical research needs of partner agencies for dreissenid management in key areas:

Structured Decision-Making at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
In collaboration with park staff, regional stakeholders, and subject area experts, USGS scientists undertook a Structured Decision-Making (SDM) process to identify management objectives, tradeoffs, and uncertainties for the park's 27 lakes. The resulting decision-making model prioritizes eDNA monitoring to focus prevention efforts and predicts the response and effectiveness of control actions for each lake. The model was instrumental in selecting a candidate lake for treatment in 2027.

Reducing Biofouling Costs at Federal Hydroelectric Facilities
This research investigates alternative treatment schedules using copper molluscicides to reduce mussel settlement in facility intake lines. The study aims to determine the minimal effective copper dose that prevents mussel settlement and kills dreissenid larvae, potentially reducing operational costs at hydroelectric facilities nationwide.

The SWIM Project: Restoring Lake Whitefish Recruitment
The Spawning Whitefish Invasive Mussel (SWIM) project is a multi-agency effort investigating whether mussel removal can restore Lake Whitefish recruitment in select spawning habitats. Conducted in Lake Michigan in 2025, the project compared the effects of benthic mats and carbon dioxide infusion under benthic mats on mussel density, fish behavior and egg hatch, and nutrient and algae dynamics. Research continues at additional reef sites in Lake Huron in 2026.

This webinar is presented by the USGS Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program. The program delivers science to protect public safety, property, and ecosystems from invasive plants and animals and infectious fish and wildlife diseases that pose significant ecological and economic threats to the resources of the United States. USGS invasive species research encompasses all significant groups of invasive organisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems throughout the United States, directly supporting risk assessment, prevention, early detection, rapid response, monitoring, and control efforts.