Invasive mussels could carry high costs

[longknife]

by Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald

A ship enters a port with certain mollusks attached to its hull. A couple drop off and, in not so many years, they multiply and begin to spread. So what? We've got some strange creatures in our waters. What's the big deal about that?

The invasive species, zebra and quagga mussels, are spreading throughout the western United States and Eastern Canada — making it as far west as Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba.

And, there is this:

The mussels eat by filtering water and removing microscopic organisms, depleting a lake of food sources for native fish. The water also becomes much clearer, leading to higher plant growth and wreaking havoc on boats.

It can also lead to algae outbreaks and widespread bird die-offs.

Read more @ Invasive mussels could carry high costs

 

[Moonglow]

eat them..

 

[netman]

The Zebra mussels are the worse and have been around now for decades.The mussels clog water intakes and block screen outlets for drainage.
In some locales certain fish eat the really small ( young) mussels. IN some locals crawfish ( crayfish in Yankee speak) will crack them open and feast.
The Great lakes are due for serious change in the natural environment as Asian carp might enter this domain also. They will devour the plankton and cause serious trouble along the food chain. . . . . a Double threat to the Lakes and Northern Snakeheads are just around the corner.
My fear is that some Do-Gooder will introduce some alien fish or crab that eats these little buggers and when done feasting....finds something else to snack on that folks WANT to keep.
Fishery scientists are keeping a keen eye on the bio mass of plankton and forage fish.... we'll see what this year's results are later in the Fall.

I ate some already....very gritty even when you wash them down repeatedly. Maybe we needed more Tobasco!

 

[Dont Taz Me Bro]

eat them..

That's what I was going to say. I love mussels.