Diane Waller

Native freshwater mussels play a critical role in aquatic environments and are considered “ecosystem engineers” and indicators of water quality by constantly filtering water. Populations of native freshwater mussels have declined in recent years, and this decline has been attributed to factors such as habitat degradation, pollution, and invasive species, among others. The importance of these...

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...

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...

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...

Chemical controls are a vital component of many effective Integrated Pest Management plans. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for invasive carps as a general toxicant or behavioral deterrent. Administration of non-selective chemicals, such as CO2, into public waters could pose a risk to non-target organisms (e.g. native mussels, native fishes) through direct or...

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is being evaluated as a new fishery chemical for general aquatic invasive species control. Most research has focused on its effectiveness as a behavioral deterrent and lethal control or invasive carps. However, because CO2 is generally non-selective, there is potential for this new control chemical to be applied across a wide range of aquatic invasive species challenges.