Center for Lakes and Reservoirs Dreissena Mussel and Invasive Plant Survey Efforts
Start Date
3-11-2024 4:00 PM
Abstract
Like other invasive species, Dreissinid mussels and introduced aquatic weeds present a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and Quagga mussels (D. rostriformis bugensis) have invaded many countries and much of the United States since their arrival in the Great Lakes. They cause significant economic costs by fouling boat motors, dam structures, etc, causing damage. They also cause environmental damage by filtering significant amounts of algae and nutrients from the water, changing ecosystem structure, sometimes causing cascading environmental issues. The risks of spread by the public have increased statewide, but especially within high boating-pressure areas, including waterbodies by cities. In 2023, Quagga mussels were detected in Idaho within the Snake River, which flows into the Columbia River. In 2021, there were detections of zebra mussels within aquarium moss balls sold in pet stores. The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs (CLR) at Portland State University, alongside other organizations, has increased Portland-area sampling efforts in an attempt to detect these invasive species early. CLR is also increasing sampling efforts and research interests in plant species of concern, such as Spartina sp., and Nymphoides peltata. These plants cause shifts in habitat structure, crowd or shade out native plants, and affect water chemistry. Research gaps exist about the effects of Nymphoides peltata on water chemistry, the plant community, the macroinvertebrate community, as well as the effectiveness of treatment efforts. Monitoring and research efforts will be conducted to detect and investigate these metrics within the Willamette River system near Eugene, Oregon.
Subjects
Conservation biology, Habitat restoration, Water quality
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/41403
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License.
Center for Lakes and Reservoirs Dreissena Mussel and Invasive Plant Survey Efforts
Like other invasive species, Dreissinid mussels and introduced aquatic weeds present a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and Quagga mussels (D. rostriformis bugensis) have invaded many countries and much of the United States since their arrival in the Great Lakes. They cause significant economic costs by fouling boat motors, dam structures, etc, causing damage. They also cause environmental damage by filtering significant amounts of algae and nutrients from the water, changing ecosystem structure, sometimes causing cascading environmental issues. The risks of spread by the public have increased statewide, but especially within high boating-pressure areas, including waterbodies by cities. In 2023, Quagga mussels were detected in Idaho within the Snake River, which flows into the Columbia River. In 2021, there were detections of zebra mussels within aquarium moss balls sold in pet stores. The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs (CLR) at Portland State University, alongside other organizations, has increased Portland-area sampling efforts in an attempt to detect these invasive species early. CLR is also increasing sampling efforts and research interests in plant species of concern, such as Spartina sp., and Nymphoides peltata. These plants cause shifts in habitat structure, crowd or shade out native plants, and affect water chemistry. Research gaps exist about the effects of Nymphoides peltata on water chemistry, the plant community, the macroinvertebrate community, as well as the effectiveness of treatment efforts. Monitoring and research efforts will be conducted to detect and investigate these metrics within the Willamette River system near Eugene, Oregon.