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A new threat to aquatic ecosystems: the invasion of zebra mussels

Zebra mussels, a mollusc species from Russia and Ukraine, pose one of the greatest threats to aquatic ecosystems in North America and beyond. These tiny molluscs cause billions in damage to fisheries and water treatment plants. Researchers have discovered a new way zebra mussels invade: by attaching themselves to fish.

This discovery raises new concerns about the spread of invasive species and calls for additional surveillance measures to prevent the spread of zebra mussels to new locations.

In this photo gallery we tell you more about this invasive mussel and examine the consequences of what is happening.

Getty Images / Wikimedia Commons Rights (collage)
A new threat to aquatic ecosystems: the invasion of zebra mussels
Zebra mussels, a mollusc species from Russia and Ukraine, pose one of the greatest threats to aquatic ecosystems in North America and beyond. These tiny molluscs cause billions in damage to fisheries and water treatment plants. Researchers have discovered a new way zebra mussels invade: by attaching themselves to fish. This discovery raises new concerns about the spread of invasive species and calls for additional surveillance measures to prevent the spread of zebra mussels to new locations.
Getty Images
Invasive species
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are an aquatic invasive species that has caused significant economic and environmental damage worldwide. Originating in Russia and Ukraine, these mussels have spread worldwide, often transported in the ballast water of ships. Once introduced into an ecosystem, zebra mussels multiply rapidly, clogging intake pipes and stealing nutrients from other organisms, causing damage to fisheries and other aquatic industries.
Getty Images
The discovery
A new discovery has brought to light a further danger caused by zebra mussels: their attack on fish. Scientists observed a zebra mussel attached to a lake chub (Couesius plumbeus) in south-eastern Quebec. The mussel had attached itself to the fish using bissal threads, protein fibres that they also use to attach themselves to plants, rocks and concrete. This is the only known case in which a non-larval zebra mussel has been seen attached to a freshwater fish.
Pubblico dominio, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=352698
Concerns
The discovery is particularly worrying because fish are highly mobile organisms that have no means of removing these parasites. Moreover, that particular fish and other similar species are often used as bait by fishermen, which means they are often transported from one body of water to another. This increases the risk of zebra mussels spreading to new locations.
By GerardM - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Dreissena_polymorpha.jpghttp://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki
Paying attention
Boaters and others who use infested waters for recreation are warned: it is important to wash the watercraft, remove any adhering plant material from the equipment and discard any water they may be carrying before travelling to another body of water. Unfortunately, those who use bait fish are probably unaware of the risk of spreading zebra mussels, which is why extra vigilance is needed to slow the spread of zebra mussels to new locations.
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=352696
Preventive measures
In general, invasive species are a significant problem for aquatic ecosystems worldwide. However, the discovery of zebra mussels attaching themselves to fish represents a new danger that requires special attention. The spread of these invasive species can only be prevented by careful vigilance and the adoption of preventive measures by all those who use fresh waters for recreation or work.
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