Zebra Mussels Causing Issues in Minnesota Lakes

The invasive species has been found in over 500 lakes here in Minnesota!

Zebra Mussels are native to the Caspian Sea and was first discovered in Minnesota in 1988 in Lake Superior. It is believed that the species entered Minnesota waters from International ships and has since spread through Minnesota waterways.

After a yearlong research project with the University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. They believe that a very light dose of copper sulfate could make a big impact on the mussels and reduce the numbers that are able to reach adulthood and cause more problems in Minnesota waters. A single Zebra Mussel female can produce 500,000 eggs a year! Not only do they spread fast, but they are also very destructive to Minnesota's ecosystem. The mussels take important food and nutrients from the base food chain which then effects other animals, including native mussels and fish.

Minnesota's ecosystem is not the only thing getting damaged by these mussels, because of their glue-like secretion, which allows them to sick to pretty much anything, boaters are reporting damage to their vessels, docks receiving damage and other aquatic pieces of equipment are getting destroyed.

To learn more about the Zebra Mussels and to read up on the study found by the U of M, you can click here!

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