THE QUAGGA MUSSEL (DREISSENA ROSTRIFORMIS BUGENSIS) INVASION OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES

• Main Author: WAGNER, MITCHELL HAROLD
• Other Authors: Fitzsimmons, Kevin
• Language: en_US
• Published: The University of Arizona. 2016
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10150/613748; http://arizona.openrepository.com/arizona/handle/10150/613748

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.