Introduction and spread of the Zebra Mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, in the Central United States

摘要

In response to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) designed a research program to develop environmentally sound methods and strategies to control zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) at public facilities. The USACE identified susceptible components and established protocols for dealing with infestations at locks, dams, vessels, dredges, reservoirs, and drainage structures. As of February 1997, zebra mussels have been found at navigation locks on the Ohio River and lower reaches of its major tributaries, the upper Mississippi River, on some dredges, and in some reservoirs. Where zebra mussels interfere with normal operation, they are being controlled by increased preventative maintenance, antifoulant coatings, and dewatering during winter to cause freeze-kills.