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Two new invasive aquatic species pose a threat to the environment and water supply in California. The quagga mussel, Driessena bugensis, and zebra mussel, Driessena polymorpha, were detected in California water bodies in 2007 and 2008.

These species have great potential to cause ecological harm by modifying aquatic habitats. They reproduce rapidly and reache very high densities. Thus, they compete for space with native species, and because they filter phytoplankton out of huge volumes of water, they can change the physical and biological properties of the ecosystem.

They may also cause significant economic harm by clogging pipes and covering infrastructure from boat engines and docks to dam gates and irrigation channels.

More information

General Biology/Ecology/Distribution

Nationwide

· For a good general overview of the biology of zebra and quagga mussels, start with this fact sheet, developed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service: www.fws.gov/rubylake/quaggamussell.pdf

· And for more general information, and a country-wide overview, try the US Geological Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species web site about quagga and zebra mussels that includes a map updated daily at: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/

· There is also a good overview at the web site of the 100^th Meridian Project, a collaboration of several government agencies working on stopping the nationwide spread of invasive species: http://www.100thmeridian.org/zebras.asp

· The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission also has a good web site about aquatic invasive species, with a focus on the West coast: http://www.aquaticnuisance.org/

Quagga/zebra mussels in California

· For information about Eurasian mussels and other invasive species in California, and to report sightings, start with the California Department of Fish and Game at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel/

· And for current news about Eurasian mussels and their impact on statewide water supplies, visit the California Department of Water Resources at http://www.des.water.ca.gov/zmwatch/

You may find local information by contacting your water supplier.

Preventing the spread of Eurasian mussels

Inspections and Decontamination

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels is for boaters and other water users to inspect their vessels, trailers, and gear, and decontaminate them if anything suspect is found. Find information on how to inspect vessels and prevent spreading aquatic nuisance species at:

· California Department of Water Resources: http://wwwdes.water.ca.gov/zmwatch/what_can_i_do/index.cfm

· 100^th Meridian Initiative: http://www.100thmeridian.org/boats.asp

· Protect Your Waters: http://www.protectyourwaters.net/prevention/prevention_generic.php and http://www.protectyourwaters.net/prevention/user_boaters.php

California Monitoring Information & Trainings

· To learn more about how your stream team, boating or fishing club, or lake/marina association can get involved in monitoring and helping to prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels, visit the UC Cooperative Extension/California Sea Grant Extension Program at http://groups.ucanr.org/quagga/

· And you can find additional information about volunteer monitoring in the Western U.S. from Portland State University at http://www.clr.pdx.edu/projects/volunteer/zebra.php

Educational resources

· A great K-12 grade resource about aquatic invasive species, developed by the national SeaGrant program, is Exotic Aquatics on the Move, http://www.iisgcp.org/edk-12/EXOTICSP/

Materials you can use to help educate members of your community about aquatic invasive species include

· Don’t Move a Mussel, from the California Department of Fish and Game, visit http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel/ to view and find out how you can order materials

· 100^th Meridian Initiatives Zap the Zebra Campaign, http://www.100thmeridian.org/ZTZ2007.asp

· Protect Your Waters has the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Campaign: http://www.protectyourwaters.net/resources/#logo

· And for education about the problems caused by releasing unwanted pets and plants, visit Habitatitude at http://www.habitattitude.net/

UC Resources

The UC Driessenid Mussel Summit was held Oct. 21st and 22nd 2010 in Sacramento. For more information, including the agenda and presentations, click here.

To purchase our Early Detection Monitoring Manual for Quagga and Zebra Mussels, click here.