Invasive species are a problem both economically and environmentally. One example of an invasive species is the zebra mussel. In this essay you will learn what the zebra mussel is, why we don’t want it in Iowa, and how this invasive species is being controlled.
The zebra mussel is a freshwater mollusc. It is the size of a fingernail, but can grow up to two inches. Zebra mussels get their name from the striped pattern that appears on them. The zebra mussel has a D-shaped shell. It was introduced to the Great Lakes from the ballast water of ships. In 1988 it was discovered in Lake St. Clair, and four years later in Iowa it was found in the Mississippi River near Burlington. Soon after, zebra mussles were found in the entire length of the Mississippi River bordering Iowa (“Invasive”). We don’t want the zebra mussel in Iowa because it can reproduce so rapidly. It produces about one million eggs in the summer. Its …show more content…
Before leaving water accesses it is important to drain water from the transom well, bilge, livewell, and impeller. You must empty bait buckets into the trash and don’t get rid of your live bait into a large body of water, or transfer other species of animal and plant from one body of water to another. Also, clean all of your equipment to get rid of potential zebra mussels that weren’t seen at the water access. Power plants and water facilities use chlorine, ozone, filters, electric currents, and many more methods to stop the colonization of zebra mussel in their water pipes (“Invasive”). In conclusion, the zebra mussel is an invasive species that needs to be controlled. It not only effects our environment, but also our power and water facilities by invading their water pipes. This species needs to be handled seriously. Always handle and clean your fishing equipment properly as to prevent further spread of this
The zebra mussel is a freshwater mollusc. It is the size of a fingernail, but can grow up to two inches. Zebra mussels get their name from the striped pattern that appears on them. The zebra mussel has a D-shaped shell. It was introduced to the Great Lakes from the ballast water of ships. In 1988 it was discovered in Lake St. Clair, and four years later in Iowa it was found in the Mississippi River near Burlington. Soon after, zebra mussles were found in the entire length of the Mississippi River bordering Iowa (“Invasive”). We don’t want the zebra mussel in Iowa because it can reproduce so rapidly. It produces about one million eggs in the summer. Its …show more content…
Before leaving water accesses it is important to drain water from the transom well, bilge, livewell, and impeller. You must empty bait buckets into the trash and don’t get rid of your live bait into a large body of water, or transfer other species of animal and plant from one body of water to another. Also, clean all of your equipment to get rid of potential zebra mussels that weren’t seen at the water access. Power plants and water facilities use chlorine, ozone, filters, electric currents, and many more methods to stop the colonization of zebra mussel in their water pipes (“Invasive”). In conclusion, the zebra mussel is an invasive species that needs to be controlled. It not only effects our environment, but also our power and water facilities by invading their water pipes. This species needs to be handled seriously. Always handle and clean your fishing equipment properly as to prevent further spread of this