What impact have the rapid growth of Zebra Mussels had?

The zebra mussel is an invasive bivalve that has created large problems in the Great Lakes areas. Here is a partial list of the damage it inflicts: * They clog up pipes at factories, power plants, municipal water supplies, and wastewater treatment facilities. * They consume massive amounts of phytoplankton, the "foundation" of the Great Lakes food web. * Fewer phytoplankton means less zooplankton, which means less fish. * There is clearer water which helps sun penetrate more deeply, stimulating growth of large-leafed underwater plants and algae. * High densities can sink buoys, degrade docks, and damage boat engines.

The zebra mussel is a native of Russia. The species arrived in North America via ships that make their way over from the Black and the Caspian Seas carrying them (or, more probably, their free-swimming forms) aboard in tanks and bilges. These critters are not deadly to man, but they impose an extremely expensive problem on society by virtue of the damage they do as cited above. And the damage continues. Use the links below for more information.