1/11/2024 0 Comments Zebra mussels in lake michiganMussels between the lengths of 5-25 mm were were induced to spawn by exposing them to serotonin and each mussel was scored based on how many gametes they released. At five time points during the summer and one during the Fall, a quagga and zebra mussels were collected from the pier where Muskegon Lake connects to Lake Michigan. This project aims to fill some of our gaps in knowledge by determining at what size quagga mussels reach sexual maturity. Literature on the breeding habits of zebra mussels is extensive, however not as much research has been done on quagga mussels. Previous studies have found that mussels become reproductively active between 5-12 mm in length, and their peak spawning season occurs during early July. These mussels have caused many changes to the Great Lakes and the food web by filtering the water, creating waste, and creating multi-dimensional structures for macroinvertebrates to use as shelter. There is currently no widespread/whole lake control practice that would be effective without harming other wildlife, and there does not currently appear to be an effective predator of the mussel.In the late 1980s, zebra mussels invaded the Great Lakes and by 1989 quagga mussels were also found in the Great Lakes and began out competing zebra mussels. This can reduce water flow (by as much as two-thirds) to heat exchangers, condensers, fire fighting equipment, and air conditioning systems.Ī Michigan-based paper company recently reported that it had spent 1.4 million dollars in removing only 400 cubic yards of zebra mussels. Mussels can clog water intakes of power plants, public water supplies, and other industrial facilities. Zebra mussels have caused major problems for industrial complexes located on the Great Lakes and associated bodies of water. In addition to the ecological impacts, there are also many economic concerns. These fish, in turn, are a food source for piscivorous fish (fish-eating fish), such as large-mouth bass and northern pike. However, zebra mussels feed on phytoplankton (algae), which is also a major food source for planktivorous fish, such as bluegill. The impact that mussels have on fish populations is not fully understood. Negative impacts on native bivalve populations include interference with feeding, habitat, growth, movement, and reproduction. Growth Cycle & Tollĭue to their quick life cycle and explosive growth rate, zebra mussels can quickly edge out native mussel species. Colonies can reach densities of 30,000 - 70,000 mussels per square meter. The adults are typically about the size of a thumbnail but can grow as large as 2 inches in diameter. Zebra mussels can live as long as five years and have an average life span of about 3.5 years. A mature female can produce up to 40,000 eggs in a cycle and up to one million in a season. The zebra mussel’s reproductive cycle allows for rapid expansion of the population. Don’t leave them on the shore where they could be swept back into the lake or foul the area. Dispose of the mussels in a trash barrel or other garbage container.Don’t take a chance clean them off by scraping or blasting. Pass your hand across the boat’s bottom - if it feels grainy, it’s probably covered with mussels. In their earlier stages, attached zebra mussels may not be easily seen.Or leave your boat out of the water for at least 5 days, preferably up to 2 weeks. Carefully scrape the hull (or trailer), or use a high-pressure spray (250 psi) to dislodge them. Boats that have been in the water for long periods of time should be carefully inspected. Full-grown zebra mussels can be easily seen but cling stubbornly to surfaces.Flush clean water (tap) through the cooling system of your motor to rinse out any larvae.Never transport water from one lake to another. Make sure water is not trapped in your trailer. Drain all bilge waters, live wells, bait buckets, and engine compartments before entering another lake.Studies have shown that transport via aquatic plant fragments is one of the major contributors to the spread of zebra mussels. Always inspect your boat and boat trailer carefully before transporting.The following are some tips from the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network that can help prevent the spread of zebra mussels:
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