THE QUAGGA MUSSEL (DREISSENA ROSTRIFORMIS BUGENSIS) INVASION OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES
First introduced in Western United States waters in 2007, the quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) has rapidly spread throughout the Lower Colorado River and other bodies of water. Along the way, they have caused severe ecological and economical damage through ecosystem transformation...
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| Language: | en_US |
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The University of Arizona.
2016
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10150/613748 http://arizona.openrepository.com/arizona/handle/10150/613748 |
| Summary: | First introduced in Western United States waters in 2007, the quagga mussel
(Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) has rapidly spread throughout the Lower Colorado
River and other bodies of water. Along the way, they have caused severe ecological
and economical damage through ecosystem transformation and biofouling of water
systems. To date, they have proved impossible to eradicate after colonization of a
system. The best way to control quagga mussels is to prevent them from spreading
to other waters. Once established, a combination of physical, chemical, and
biological control methods need to be developed for that specific body of water.
Continued research on best management practices and optimal facility designs are
needed in order to control existing populations. Even though a solution for
complete eradication of D. Bugensis has not been found to date, with public support
and proper government funding, the effect of the quagga mussel in Western U.S.
waters can be minimized. |
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