By Genine Hopkins
Unfortunately, zebra mussels were confirmed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and reported to local authorities regarding their appearance on Budd Lake. The invasive species has made its way throughout Michigan’s beautiful lakes and rivers since the late 80s.
Zebra Mussels, or Dreissena polymorpha, are a remarkably adaptable species that arrived when ballast water was cleared in Lake St. Clair, from a freighter that originated in Europe in 1986 to 1988, when the mussels were first discovered. Lying between Lakes Huron and Erie, Lake St. Clair’s environment was suitable to quick adaptation by the mussels, that quickly proliferated and spread out into all the Great Lakes, since there were no natural enemies in the waters. Much money has been thrown at trying to slow or reduce their progression, unfortunately with little positive results.
One of the characteristics of the zebra mussel is its ability to clean the surrounding water; this is one of the few positives about the species. Despite their small size – they are typically the size of a pistachio shell – they can filter up to one quart of water each, leaving clear water behind. But they are incredibly sharp and can cut into skin (and paws!) easily especially when they are in large groups.
That is the only good thing. Because they have become ubiquitous in Michigan waters, they clog intake pipes in water treatment facilities and power plants, while the water looks cleaner they extract critical nutrients from the water, consume enough plankton that sees them outcompeting and displacing native species. They also attach to everything, which is how they end up far from their native area. Any submerged object is a target. This includes native mussels as well.
Female zebra mussels can lay from 100,000 to 500,000 eggs per year! One square yard in a zebra mussel bed can contain tens of thousands of mussels, an incredible amount. They begin to form shells only weeks after the larvae hatch.
Recommendations for anyone boating in any lake that has confirmed zebra mussel populations is to inspect all marine equipment – boats, buckets, fishing gear, skidoos, anything that can touch the water (remember the larvae are super small!) – and remove any visible mussels from the equipment. Do NOT transport any water from wells or bait buckets from one body of water to another, wash all equipment even if no mussels are visible with soapy water, making sure to do so without allowing said soapy water to enter back into the lake or river. Empty bait buckets or live wells on DRY land and always dispose of bait into the trash! As an alternative, you can allow some materials to properly dry for at least 21 days to ensure no live mussel or mussel larvae remain on the equipment. Don’t forget this includes swim tubes, foam noodles, and other water toys as well.
The Budd Lake Association has posted this information on their Facebook page and hope all visitors to the beautiful lake will take necessary precautions to prevent further contamination and cross contamination.
