Yu, N., and D. A. Culver, 1996. How Zebra Mussels Affect the Ecosystem of a Small Thermally-stratified Reservoir, The Ohio State University
Abstract from The Sixth International Zebra Mussel and Other Aquatic Nuisance Species Conference, Dearborn, Michigan, March 1996
How Zebra Mussels Affect the Ecosystem of a Small Thermally-stratified Reservoir
Abstract:
The zebra mussel density in the littoral zone of Hargus Lake, a small thermally-stratified reservoir, had a dramatic increase in 1995 from below 50/m2 in the past 5 years to about 5,000/m2. This change is believed to be the result of a positive-feedback process initiated by zebra mussels’ colonization. The abundance and distribution of macrophytes increased with improved water transparency, which was in large extent due to the biodeposition of zebra mussels. Increased macrophytes in turn helps silt sedimentation while providing more substrate for zebra mussels to attach to. The grazing effect of zebra mussels on living algae assemblages is very limited in static water. The impacts of zebra mussels on fisheries should be addressed in light of habitat change rather than through direct trophic interactions in this type of ecosystem.