Increase In Zebra Mussels Evident In Iowa Great Lakes

[Rick]

Zebra mussels have a life cycle with three stages, larval, juvenile, and adult. They generally spawn at temperatures above 52 degrees F. Which in Iowa generally means from late April through September in many lakes.

The larval stage of a zebra mussel starts out with eggs being pushed into the water column to mix with the sperm. This is repeated throughout the breeding season. Literally millions of larvae can be in a body of water at any given time. They are dependent on the right conditions in the host water to survive.

The larvae are tiny plankton with an egg sack dispersed by wave and current action. The key point is they are tiny. So tiny they are not likely to be noticed. Pelicans and other birds disperse them into different watersheds. Generally most of us think about the little clam like mussels we see attached to docks and boats that sit in the infested lake. We have to think about all of the life stages, not just the adult stage. The larvae are easily transported from one body of water to another. By birds, turtles, frogs, boats connecting waterways and so on.

We often hear or see things like the following article just sent out by the Iowa DNR:

SPIRIT LAKE – As docks and hoists are being removed from most of Iowa’s Great Lakes, a most unwelcome visitor is being discovered in greater numbers.

Zebra mussels, first discovered in East Okoboji Lake and Upper Gar Lake in the fall of 2012, have been increasing in numbers and distribution the past few years throughout most of the Iowa Great Lakes. Spirit Lake is the only lake where adult zebra mussels have not been found.

This fall, the number of zebra mussels on docks and hoists removed from East Okoboji has noticeably increased. Residents who observe zebra mussels on docks and hoists removed from Spirit Lake are requested to report the location to the DNR Fisheries office in Spirit Lake.

Zebra mussels look like small, D-shaped clams that have alternating light and dark bands. Most are less than one-inch long. Young zebra mussels are microscopic and can be unintentionally transported with water in bilges, live wells or bait buckets.  Adult zebra mussels can attach to boats, trailers and aquatic vegetation.

It is illegal to possess or transport zebra mussels and other prohibited aquatic invasive species in Iowa. It is also illegal to transport any aquatic plants on water-related equipment.  Boaters must drain all water from boats and equipment before leaving a water access and must keep drain plugs removed or opened during transport... And so.... Full articlle

Often times we look for the most public way to attack these invasive species by putting the onus on anglers, boaters and lakeshore owners. We often think in terms of the quick fix, and keep doing it even when it is apparent the tactic is not working or cost effective.

Zebra mussels keep moving along in their mission to inhabit all hospitable waters in North America. Our current policies will not stop that.

  Current policy chases some who use those waters away from fishing and boating rather than deal with the onsluaght of regulations. On the other hand, we rarely hear what is being done to disrupt the life cycle of these invasive species. If the solution were easy it would be done.

Instead we keep throwing money at enforcing rules and regulations that do not stop the problem and indeed move more folks away from enjoying our lakes and rivers. The money being spent on rules, regulations, and enforcement could be spent looking for the Zebra mussels achilles heel during any stage of their life cycle. Is that magic bullet out there? We don't know and we never will until the resources, money and a more focused effort is brought to bear on disrupting Zebra mussels life cycle.

[PurpleFloyd]

Good post and spot on.

[Rick]

Thank you PF.