Open water dreissenid mussel control projects: lessons learned from a retrospective analysis

Abstract

Dreissenid mussels are one of the most problematic aquatic invasive species (AIS) in North America, causing substantial ecological and economic effects. To date, dreissenid mussel control efforts in open water have included physical, biological, and chemical methods. The feasibility of successful dreissenid mussel management or eradication in lakes is relatively undocumented in the freshwater management literature. This review presents information on 33 open water dreissenid mussel control projects in 23 North America lakes. We reviewed data from past dreissenid mussel control projects and identified patterns and knowledge gaps to help inform adaptive management strategies. The three key lessons learned include (1) pre- and post-treatment survey methods that are designed to meet management objectives are beneficial, e.g., by sampling for all life stages and taking into account that no survey method is completely comprehensive; (2) defining the treatment area—particularly ensuring it is sufficiently large to capture all life stages present—is critical to meeting management objectives; and (3) control projects provide an opportunity to collect water chemistry, effects on non-target organisms, and other efficacy-related data that can inform safe and effective adaptive management.

Chemical Treatments on Invasive Bivalve, <em>Corbicula fluminea</em>

“…One of the most common active ingredients used in molluscicides for Asian clam chemical treatment is copper-based compounds. The copper-based treatments induce mortality in Asian clams through binding to receptors on the bivalves' gills, thus inhibiting gas exchange across the cellular membrane [14,37].…”

“…Currently brand-named Natrix® and EarthTec QZ® are copper-based products registered with the EPA as molluscicides, although Cutrine® Ultra has been registered with the EPA as an algaecide, herbicide and cyanobactericide. KCl, or unrefined potash, is not registered with the EPA as a molluscicide but can instead be approved for use through site-specific regulatory exemption processes [37]. Section 24(c) allows states to register a pesticide for a special local need, defined as "an existing or imminent pest problem for which there is no federally registered pesticide available" [37,40].…”

“…KCl, or unrefined potash, is not registered with the EPA as a molluscicide but can instead be approved for use through site-specific regulatory exemption processes [37]. Section 24(c) allows states to register a pesticide for a special local need, defined as "an existing or imminent pest problem for which there is no federally registered pesticide available" [37,40]. In addition, Section 18 "allows unregistered use of pesticides to address emergency conditions" [37,40].…”

“…Section 24(c) allows states to register a pesticide for a special local need, defined as "an existing or imminent pest problem for which there is no federally registered pesticide available" [37,40]. In addition, Section 18 "allows unregistered use of pesticides to address emergency conditions" [37,40]. Examples of use in projects for rapid response zebra Treatment area size Some treatments can be cost prohibitive depending on volume of chemical used [30] Location along tributary Prefer upstream habitats but must also consider downstream effects of treatment [16] Water flow rate (River) How to maintain effective concentrations throughout treatment area [16] Water Mixing (Lake/pond) How to distribute product to maintain effective concentrations throughout treatment area [30] Bottom Substrate Prefer coarse sand and soft mud [16] Bathymetry Treatment denser than water may result in "hotspots" at greatest depths [30] Non-target Species Presence Toxicity of non-target species must be considered to avoid causing unnecessary harm [14] Temperature May impact the efficacy of the treatment (Zequanox, KCl, Copper-based pesticides) [37][38] pH May impact the efficacy of the treatment (KCl and Copper-based pesticides) [16,[36][37] Salinity May impact the efficacy of the treatment (KCl) [37] Turbidity May impact the efficacy of the treatment (Zequanox, KCl, Copper-based pesticides) [37] Dissolved Oxygen Content May impact the efficacy of the treatment (KCl, Copper-based pesticides) [4] Conductance May impact the efficacy of the treatment (KCl) [36][37][38] Organic Carbon Content May impact the efficacy of the treatment (Copperbased pasticides) [36][37] Time of Year Feed less in colder months-may impact efficacy of ingested molluscicides [30,39] Food Preference Changes seasonally-may impact efficacy of ingested molluscicides [39] Reactive or Proactive Resources required may vary [36] Management, Suppression, or Extirpation Determine how aggressive treatments should be …”

“…Water Quality Variables Habitat Variables mussel eradication include Lake Irene and Rose Lake in Minnesota in 2011 and for use in population suppression in Lake Ossawinamakee in Minnesota in 2004 and 2005 [37].…”