Eradication of colonizing populations of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) by early detection and SCUBA removal: Lake George, NY

Abstract

1. Since their introduction to North America, zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) have rapidly colonized North American fresh waters. Strategies for limiting the economic and ecological impacts of zebra mussels exist, but there are few examples where once zebra mussels have invaded a natural body of water they have been removed or managed without the use of ecologically destructive methods. The first successful attempt to eradicate a colonizing population of zebra mussels using SCUBA is reported here. Studies were conducted in Lake George, NY.2. Since zebra mussel larvae had been detected prior to the discovery of adults in Lake George, a comprehensive management programme for zebra mussels was in place when mussels were found in 1999, at a single location in the southern part of the Lake (Lake George Village site). Efforts were quickly launched to remove as many mussels as possible by SCUBA with the intent of minimizing the risk of the population reproducing and establishing a permanent presence in the Lake.3. Population size at the discovery site was initially estimated at fewer than 30 000 animals. Between 1999 and 2007 more than 21 000 animals were removed from the site, over 90% of them shortly after the colony was discovered. Continued monitoring of the site for larvae, recruitment, and growth suggests that the animals have not successfully reproduced since the project began. Since detection at the Lake George Village site, six separate colonizing populations at other locations in the lake were found and similar removal efforts appear to be having comparable success.4. This study demonstrates that the combination of early detection, suboptimal habitat, proactive establishment of a rapid response and management plan, and cooperation of a comprehensive network of stakeholders can prevent a successful zebra mussel invasion.

Quantitative assessment of invasive species in lacustrine environments through benthic imagery analysis

“…Invasive fish, macrophytes, and invertebrates have been observed from small (Wimbush et al 2009) to large lake systems (Beeton 2002). Once an invasive species has been identified in a region, the primary step for researchers and resource managers is to define population extent.…”

“…The introduction and spread of invasive species in lacustrine environments have ecological and economic impacts (Pimentel et al 2005). Invasive fish, macrophytes, and invertebrates have been observed from small (Wimbush et al 2009) to large lake systems (Beeton 2002). Once an invasive species has been identified in a region, the primary step for researchers and resource managers is to define population extent.…”

Comparative study of the reproductive biology of two congeneric and introduced goby species: implications for management strategies

“…In Lake Erhai, our study was the first to demonstrate that the two species showed clearly different spawning cycles within the same ecosystem outside of their native range, and this is a crucial issue for the timing of deployment of remediation actions (Ling, 2002;Britton et al, 2011). Management operations for fishes may often be most effective when implemented pre-spawning because offspring usually increase population size by several orders of magnitude and disperse extensively within the ecosystem (Knapp & Matthews, 1998;Ludgate & Closs, 2003;Wimbush et al, 2009;Britton et al, 2011). Moreover, the removal of adults soon after spawning may result in a population increase in juveniles (e.g., decreased intraspecific competition) rather than their decline.…”

What is Novel About Novel Ecosystems: Managing Change in an Ever-Changing World

“…Therefore, at sites where quagga mussels have invaded, stakeholders advocate for intensive management (or eradication) of invasive mussels. A number of current eradication efforts have reported early signs of success to manage against the novel ecosystem created by quagga mussels (Wimbush et al 2009). …”