Zebra Mussel

Zebra mussels are small, striped freshwater mollusks native to Eastern Europe. They were first discovered in the Great Lakes in the 1980s, likely introduced via ballast water from ships. These invasive species reproduce rapidly and can clog water intake pipes, damage infrastructure, and disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for food and habitat. Their presence can lead to significant economic costs for water treatment facilities, power plants, and recreational areas. Efforts to manage zebra mussel populations include monitoring, traps, and environmentally safe chemicals to minimize their impact on affected waterways.