How One Little Mussel Changed the Great Lakes Forever The rainbow was once widely distributed and common in many rivers and creeks in southern Ontario. Zebra mussel populations can reach very high densities (more than 10,000 mussels per square meter). The purpose of this study was to quantify the annual and cumulative economic impact of zebra mussels on surface water- The impacts of zebra mussels have been well documented in lakes across Europe and North America. Abstract Invasions of nonnative species such as zebra mussels can have both ecological and economic conse-quences. While the degree to which lake ecosystems are impacted is highly variable, there is certainly cause for concern here. Invasive Species - The Zebra Mussel By Jake Schroeder and Chris Cordova What is The Cause of this issue? This filtering can increase water clarity, which might cause more aquatic vegetation to grow at deeper depths and more dense stands. The Spread of Zebra Mussels The introduction of Zebra Mussels Into Colorado Lakes and rivers came from the Great Lakes. This also causes clearer water, allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper, increasing growth of aquatic vegetation. Impact fish and wildlife by increasing toxic algal blooms. Ecological and economic impacts. Zebra Mussel filters water to the point where food sources such as plankton are removed, altering food webs. The economic impacts of zebra mussels have not been examined in detail since the mid-1990s. Today, scientists know that zebra mussels can cause increases in toxic blue-green algae, including Microcystis, which produces a poison that causes liver damage when ingested by humans and wildlife. The Effect of Zebra Mussels on Lake Erie Economic Impacts One of the negative impacts that the Zebra mussel has had on Lake Erie and the surrounding areas is impacts Auriel Van Der Laar – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science - Michigan Technological University Invasive Species Throw Ecosystems into Chaos Zebra mussels can also attach to native mussels, killing them. The Zebra Mussels have a positive impact into fresh water areas such as its native land in the black and Caspian sea's. Zebra mussels filter plankton from the surrounding water. but in salt water ares it has a negative impact on many things like water quality, man made structures, native aquatic species, and overall a negative impact on the areas ecosystem What is Being done (Cont.) Back in 1988, the Great Thirty years ago, the extent of profound impacts due to zebra mussels could not have been predicted.