More invasive mussel appears to be taking hold in Lake Michigan

[jpak]

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/politics/14579582.htm

MILWAUKEE - The population of an invasive mussel species in Lake Michigan is declining - but only because a more prolific relative appears to be taking its place.

The quagga mussel seems to have nearly annihilated the zebra mussel population, said Russell Cuhel, a senior scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Great Lakes WATER Institute.

"Right now, if you go out and suck up 1,000 mussels, you're lucky to find a couple of zebra mussels," he said.

The zebra mussel, a native of the Caspian and Black Sea region, was first found in the Great Lakes in the late 1980s. The mussels quickly made their presence known, hogging the plankton upon which so many fish species depend.

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[MADem]

1. Are they edible??? Maybe a nice lemon pepper sauce??? n.t,

[One_Life_To_Give]

6. Or Broiled in Butter? nt

[MADem]

7. Aren't ya supposed to only eat them during months with Rs in them?

Monkey might have trouble, since he can't spell.

"Heh, heh, here it is AR-GUST, an' ah'm in the mood for mussels!"

[RandomKoolzip]

2. You know...

A smart feller could make a naughty joke about such a headline, were he so inclined.

Thank goodness I ain't that smart.

[swimboy]

5. I just can't think of a more invasive mussel

Yeah, that's a tough one. You'd have to think long and hard.

[dipsydoodle]

3. Assuming your winters are not too long and cold

stock Israel Ghost Koy carp - they eat mussels. They also grow at a fast rate. When our lakes freeze I think they just sort of hibernate at the bottom where the water is warmer as warm water is slightly denser than cold water.

If anyone subsequently wants to know the best way to fish for carp then just ask.

[Oerdin]

8. Eh?

Cold water sinks because it is denser. You have it backwards.

[PATRICK]

4. Competing gangs

is the first image that comes to mind. They take over the ecological balance from all others, including people who rely on fresh water supplies. The mussels get into and choke water pipes, not to mention destroy the water for swimming. Sure it is purified beyond belief, but don't put your foot down on one. Fishing too suffers and constant restocking from fisheries very costly.

The little critters are very ruinous and I think better predators than MORE shelled mussels are needed.