I just got off the phone with our local D.N.R. I heard about the find back in June, but I did not have enough information to get anything out to my readers. This afternoon there was a press release to the news media and the story was out. I’ll try here to tell you more about the Mussels and how and why they are Very Dangerous To Our Waters, and how WE as FISHERMAN can STOP the SPREAD of these Mussels. The zebra mussel is a tiny (1/8-inch to 2-inch) bottom-dwelling clam native to Europe. The mussel takes its name from its striped shell. Zebra mussels were introduced into the Great Lakes system in the mid 80’s and first turned up in Lake St. Clair. In 1985 or 86. They have spread throughout the Great Lakes and are now found in Green Bay, “Milwaukee River Estuary, Port Washington Harbor, South Milwaukee Harbor, Sheboygan County, Sheboygan River Estuary and basin, Big Elkhart Lake, Kenosha Harbor, Racine Harbor, Kenosha County, Silver Lake, Lake Andrea, Fox River basin, In Lake Superior, Superior Harbor. StCroix River From the town of Hudson south to the Mississippi River. In Walworth county, Lake Geneva, Lauderdale Lake, Delevan Lake, Beulah Lake, Fox River Basin, The Lower Rock River. In Racine county, The Racine Quarry, Pike and Root River Basin, Waubeesee Lake. Waukesha County, Nagawicki Lake, Fox River Basin, Bark River down stream to Hwy. 67, Upper and Lower Nemanhbin Lake To Hwy 67, Little Muskego, Lac La Belle, Oconomowoc Lake and River to Hwy 67, Lower Rock River, Lower Nashotah Lake, Winnebago County, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, Wolf River basin, Lake Butte des Morts, Upper Fox River basin, Poygan Lake. Big and Little Cedar Lake, Milwaukee River basin in Washington County.

Zebra mussel populations are highest in Green Bay where densities are approaching levels found in Lake Erie. Resource managers are particularly concerned about the potential impacts to the food chain, native clams and fisheries in Wisconsin’s waters.

In mid to late June 1997, unusually low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations were found by federal and state agencies in a150 mile stretch of the Mississippi River during a period of warm water (25-27 deg. C) and below average river flow. Main channel DO concentrations below 4 mg/L were common in a reach extending from Pool 9 near Lynxville Wisconsin, to Pool 13 near Bellevue, Iowa. Dissolved oxygen concentrations increased in July in response to increased river flow, but values below 5 mg/L were still present at times. An investigation was made to determine if zebra mussels contributed to the low DO concentrations and influenced other water quality variables during the summer of 1997.

Zebra mussel spatial coverage and densities have expanded greatly in the Upper Mississippi River since their first discovery in 1991. Previous research in zebra mussel-infested rivers has revealed low DO concentrations during summer periods as a result of zebra mussel activity. These problems have been attributed to respiratory processes and biodegradation of waste products. An evaluation of USGS’s Long Term Resource Monitoring data USGS, 1997, near Lock and Dams 8 at Genoa, WI, 9 at Lynxville, WI, 11 at Dubuque, IA. and 12 at Bellevue, IA. our data from Lock and Dams 8 and 9 was conducted to help assess factors contributing to the low DO concentrations during June of 1997. We also conducted measurements of benthic oxygen demand in July and August to evaluate the relative importance of zebra mussels as an oxygen sink in the Mississippi River. Water temperatures rose quickly from about 15 to 25 deg.C during the first two weeks of June during a period of rapidly falling river flows. Dissolved oxygen concentrations fell from about 10 to 12 mg/L in late May to less than 5 mg/L at LD 9, 11 and 12 in late June. Chlorophyll “A” concentrations, a surrogate for phytoplankton biomass, were high 60 to 90 ug/L during mid- to late May but fell to low concentrations 10 ug/L by late June at LD 9, 11 and 12 In contrast, DO and chlorophyll “A” concentrations were notably greater at LD 8 during this period.

Inorganic nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus and dissolved silica concentrations were depressed to very low levels in May and early June due to nutrient assimilation by the late spring phytoplankton bloom and reduced tributary inflows. These nutrients increased during mid to late June, following the decline of the spring algae bloom. A marked increase in ammonia nitrogen during mid June at LD 9, 11 and 12 was closely associated with the onset of low DO concentrations at these sites. It was believed the major source of this ammonia nitrogen was associated with zebra mussels. Specifically, zebra mussel waste excretions, decomposition of feces and decaying zebra mussels in Pools 9 to 12 may have contributed to this ammonia increase. Nonpoint source inputs were not believed to be major source of this nitrogen since their relative contribution would have been low during the low flow period. Major inputs of ammonia from point source discharges to the affected river reach were not likely since their wastewater contributions are relatively small. Further, there were no major spills reported during or immediately preceding the low DO period. Decreased DO concentrations during mid- to late June likely reflected increased water temperature reduced DO saturation, reduced photosynthesis lower phytoplankton concentrations and increased benthic oxygen demand freshly settled algae during this period. However, these processes alone did not appear to explain the unusually low DO concentrations experienced in the main channel between LD 9 and 12 since similar low DO concentrations were not observed upstream of Pool 9 .

Sediment oxygen demand SOD measurements made in areas infested with high zebra mussel densities 10,000 to 14,000/m2 revealed very high oxygen demands of 15-20 g/m2/day during July and August 1997. Benthic oxygen demand rates were substantially lower3.6 to 5.0 g/m2/day in silty substrates sites with moderate to high unionid mussel densities of 16.5 to 49.4/m2 where zebra mussels were absent. In contrast, silty sediments without any unionids or zebra mussels had an SOD of only 0.8 to 0.9 g/m2/day. Water temperatures ranged from about 21 to 25 deg.C during these measurements and played a minimal role in influencing the benthic oxygen demand rates. Maximum SOD was significantly correlated with zebra mussel density, volume and weight. Based on the benthic oxygen demand data and previous reports of low DO in rivers infested with zebra mussels, we believe the low DO in portions of the Mississippi River main channel during June and July was likely influenced by zebra mussel respiratory activity, decomposition of waste products and decaying zebra mussels. Reduced river flow and warm water conditions during mid- to late June would have contributed to a greater DO deficit during this time in reaches with high zebra mussel infestations.

Zebra mussel-induced water quality impacts were also believed to be responsible for unusually water quality conditions in the river during August and September of 1997. Unusually low chlorophyll concentrations and high light penetration was observed at LD 9 during this time. This was particularly apparent in early September when chlorophyll a concentrations were about 2 ug/L and light penetration was 3.5 m. In contrast, chlorophyll “A” was about ten fold greater upstream at LD 8 during this time and light penetration was substantially lower. Ratios of dissolved nutrients soluble reactive phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and silica to chlorophyll “A” were also unusually high at LD 9 based on long term data for this site. Zebra mussel-induced nutrient conversions and phytoplankton consumption would be expected to contribute to high nutrient to chlorophyll ratios. We believe more data is needed to verify zebra mussel-induced water quality impacts in the river. A detailed DO, suspended solids, chlorophyll and nutrient budget in a river reach with high zebra mussel-infestation may provide another means for assessing their impacts on water quality.

A recent survey by the Corps of engineers, in the East Channel of the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien has revealed a substantial reduction in the diversity and density of native mussels. The decline was likely the result of zebra mussels whose densities reached over 10,000 per square meter in 1998. The East Channel was one of the best mussel beds in the Upper Mississippi River. Future efforts are being considered to relocate native mussel beds to other waters that are less likely to be impacted by zebra mussels.

Financial impacts have been significant to Wisconsin’s water utilities (about $4 million based on 1993 figures) and to power plants (approximately $1 million back in 1993). Although some costs have also been incurred by the lock and dam operators on the Mississippi River, these costs have been substantially less than for the raw water users. The environmental costs of the zebra mussel invasion to water resources are more difficult to quantify, and in most cases, are unknown. The long-term costs, however, are likely to be significant. Ecological studies have recently been completed on two inland Wisconsin lakes where zebra mussels first invaded in 1994. The results of these studies should provide more information on the ecological impacts.

In Wood County, according to the press release, Zebra mussel populations, have been found for the first time in the Wisconsin River watershed in June of 2002. Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists have confirmed that a mussel from Lake Nepco near Port Edwards is indeed one of the voracious filter-feeding mussels native to the Caspian Sea region, and DNR staff has subsequently found more zebra mussels on the Nepco Dam and on bridge abutments, and Rip-Rap along the lake. The discovery is stirring concerns about the potential effect on the Lower Wisconsin River, particularly on endangered and threatened native mussel populations there. It’s also bringing a sharp reminder to boaters to inspect and remove from their trailers and boats any aquatic plants or zebra mussels before they move their boat to another lake. The primary way that zebra mussels have been introduced into new waters is aboard boats coming from an infested water, including in the bilge water, in bait buckets or on the boat or trailer itself. Places to look are spare tire carriers, bunks, and rollers, the BED of the Trailer, and trailer axels.

“The main message people need to get is these things are going to travel inland because people are trailering boats from zebra- mussel infested waters and bringing them to other waters without cleaning them. “If zebra mussels are found in any number in the Wisconsin River, the one boat that probably delivered zebra mussels to Nepco Lake will have probably caused an ecological disaster to the Lower Wisconsin River because of their failure to clean their boat,” say’s the DNR. Lake Nepco is formed by a Dam, with the two mile creek, the four mile creek and the Bloody Run creek, all flowing into it, and flows into the Wisconsin River west of the lake, and its outfall, is upstream from Petenwell Flowage, Castle Rock Flowage, Wisconsin Dells, Lake Wisconsin and the Lower Wisconsin River way. DNR staff has been examining bridge abutments, dams, and other structures along the Wisconsin River west of the dam between Port Edwards and Nekoosa, and Lake Wazeecha upstream of Lake Nepco to look for zebra mussels and gauge the threat they represent. So far, DNR staff have not found any zebra mussels in Lake Wazeecha or on Wisconsin River stretches immediately downstream of Nepco Lake, YET! “They are on the dam at Nepco Lake, so you’d assume that some would have gone downstream into the river system. By finding none, it could mean that the density is so low right now they may be incapable of reproducing,” Endris says. “That still leaves us with the potential of doing something to keep those densities from increasing to the point the zebra mussels can successfully reproduce in the Wisconsin River, which could be devastating in a water shed that is already troubled by pollution. He and other DNR staff are pondering options for responding, including draining Lake Nepco for the winter. Such a drawdown could create conditions that would kill the zebra mussels and prevent damage to the Wisconsin River if it has not already occurred, but would mean a possible fish kill of enormous proportions, home owners along the shore lines could have a shortage of well water also, and Domtar Papers will need another source of water for their paper making process, all of which will have to be looked at. In our talk today, I said I would look very closely along the shore line areas while fishing and my walks along the river and flowage. Zebra mussels’ impacts on particular waters vary, but in general, zebra mussels are a concern because they form dense clusters that attach to hard surfaces, including native mussels, decrease the oxygen that fish and other aquatic species need, and worsen smelly, unsightly algae blooms. In addition, the zebra mussels can clog boat engines and intake pipes for utilities, and their sharp shells can wash up on shore and make walking on the beach hazardous to humans and wildlife. One particular concern with zebra mussels being discovered in the Wisconsin River watershed is the potential effect on native mussels, including the endangered Higgins eye mussel.

“The zebra mussels have already severely depressed the mussel populations in the Mississippi and there are some large, diverse, mussel beds in the Lower Wisconsin that could be in jeopardy, and that includes the federally-endangered Higgins eye and several state endangered and threatened species.” At present, attempts are underway to raise the Higgins eye mussels at the Genoa Hatchery; the Lower Wisconsin River was one area that had been considered as a site for release of the mussels. The presence of large numbers of zebra mussels there would eliminate that location as a potential site, Endris says. Zebra mussels were introduced into the Great Lakes as stowaways aboard a foreign-going ship. They were first documented in Lake Michigan in 1990. Boaters and anglers can take a number of steps to prevent spreading zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species to new waters:

Before leaving a boat launch:

Inspect your boat, trailer, and boating equipment and remove any visible plants and animals. Dispose of them properly so they do not get washed back into the lake.

Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge, and transom wells while on shore and before leaving any water body. Spray your boat and boating equipment with high-pressure water or leave it in the sun to dry for 5 days before using it again Dump unused bait in the trash. Never release live bait into a water body, its ILLEGAL or release aquatic animals from one water body into another.

In September, 2001, the state Legislature passed the Boat Launch Law, which makes it illegal to launch watercraft if there may be aquatic plants or zebra mussels attached.

Also, in that session, the Legislature passed a law that makes it illegal to introduce invasive species to navigable waters. Invasive species, as currently designated, are Eurasian water milfoil, curly-leaf pondweed and purple loosestrife. Fines under both laws are $200 for first-time violations, and second violations may go from $700 to $2,000 and may include prison.

What other ways can you control Zebra Mussels? Because the zebra mussel tolerates extreme crowding, it clogs intake pipes, filters, trash racks, and other components of ships, dams, pumping plants, and hydropower facilities that use freshwater and has become a serious problem. Chlorine injection effectively controls zebra mussels, but also produces toxic byproducts, some of which are carcinogenic. Furthermore, regulatory actions in the United States and Canada may reduce or eliminate chlorine for controlling zebra mussels. This Phase I project, combined with work supported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, demonstrated the feasibility of using high-intensity pressure pulses from “ sparkers “ for the nontoxic, low-cost control of zebra mussels. Sparkers work by releasing stored electrical energy between two submersed electrodes, producing a high-intensity pressure pulse that can either clear away mature zebra mussels by interfering with feeding or inhibit young zebra mussels from attaching to surfaces. In the control concept investigated in this project, a sparker source is tethered near the entrance to a pipe that is to be kept free of, or cleared of, zebra mussels. A sparker was introduced in 1992 by another company, but has seen little use because of electrode maintenance issues, and cost, and because scientific data establishing its effectiveness were lacking. In this project, the feasibility of developing a new low-cost and low-maintenance sparker was investigated experimentally in laboratory tests. Also, field tests were conducted in which test samples were placed in water intake pipes during a zebra mussel growth season, and pressure pulses from the sparker were measured for correlation with zebra mussel response. These field tests were the first that combined zebra mussel response tests with measurements of sparker pulses at the locations of test samples. Field tests conducted by Phoenix Science & Technology, Inc., at two sites on Lake Champlain, NY, showed that sparker pressure pulses generated near the exit of water intake pipes prevented growth of new zebra mussels for approximately 125 feet into the pipes. Also, the test results showed adult zebra mussels being cleared away for approximately 50 feet into the pipes. The pressure levels and corresponding acoustic spectra producing these effects on the zebra mussels also were measured. In addition, the propagation of the pressure pulse in the pipe showed effects associated with pipe cutoff frequencies and the fundamental frequencies of the sparker pulse. Laboratory tests showed that the sparker currently in use is inefficient. A new sparker design will have an efficiency of more than a factor of 10 higher than the current sparker. Also, new electrodes were tested, which have a lifetime that is four times longer than the electrodes in the current sparker. A new sparker system with high efficiency and new electrodes will operate for at least 1 year before needing electrode replacement instead of every 5 weeks, as in the current sparker. Based on this project, a sparker system for controlling zebra mussels is both technically and commercially feasible. A sparker can be developed during Phase II that effectively controls zebra mussels at a reduced cost compared to chlorine. This new prototype sparker will be used in field tests to continue to determine sparker operational requirements for the wide range of pipe diameters, pipe lengths, flow rates, and other parameters at zebra mussel problem sites. Commercial feasibility of sparker technology is supported by the environmental benefit of reducing the disinfection byproducts generated by chlorine systems currently in use. Sparker technology, in addition to use for controlling zebra mussels, has widespread commercial potential for many types of biofouling organisms. A successful program will result in a nontoxic, practical, low-cost sparker for controlling zebra mussels and for other antibiofouling applications. There are Many other methods of trying to control the Zebra Mussels, and I do not have access to all that data.

Zebra mussels link

Blue bill ducks, a favorite target of Lake St. Clair hunters, have dwindled so fast that now there are only half as many in North America as there were two decades ago.

Scientists believe the ducks may be dying after eating zebra mussels, clam-like creatures that have been both a curse and a benefit to the environment since they were accidentally introduced into the Great Lakes in the mid-1980s.

The disappearance of the ducks upsets the balance of nature, scientists say. And environmentalists already are concerned about the demise of native wildlife.

The native clam population in Lake St. Clair was wiped out several years ago by the zebra mussel. And numerous native plants have died off after phragmites -- a stubborn, sprawling non-native grass -- took over wetlands in southeast Michigan, where the plants lived. "When we have a 50-percent decline of anything, that's reason for concern," said Ernie Kafkas, an environmentalist and wildlife expert with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "There have been populations of wildlife that have declined like that and have never recovered and became extinct.

"(The blue bill) is a beautiful bird that has been part of our North America for thousands of years," Kafkas added, "and it is an important bird for hunters."

Scientists suspect zebra mussels are poisoning the ducks, Kafkas said. Zebra mussels filter water, and any toxins, bacteria and other impurities in the water stay in the mussels. Blue bills gorge themselves on the little orange-and-black striped clams.

Across North America, blue bills declined from 7 million to 3.5 million in less than 20 years, said Scott Petrie, an adjunct professor of zoology at the University of Western Ontario who heads a comprehensive study of the blue bill decline.

"That is alarming," said Petrie, also research director for the Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Fund in Port Rowan, Ontario. Population numbers for individual states are not recorded because the ducks are migratory. But Michigan scientists and hunters say they have noticed a drop in Lake St. Clair. The decline is not as severe as the continent-wide decrease, but scientists fear it could be a bellwether of things to come for the lake. "We are not seeing the number of scaup we used to see in the 1970s and 1980s in Lake St. Clair. If the decline is across the continent, it will impact us here a lot more severely in the years to come," he said. I hope that you readers have gained some knowledge about the Zebra Mussels, I feel we really need to do all we can to stop the spread of these Mussels. As fisherman, it’s important to remember WE are able to make a difference by doing just a simple inspection of your boat and trailer etc. We HAVE to do a better job here in Central Wis. if we want our children and childrens, children to enjoy what we have. I will continue to monitor and talk with our DNR about their progress and what methods they will use if they will share that info with me. If you have any questions on anything in this article you can e-mail me at either [email protected] or [email protected]. I’d like also to thank my friends at Crestliner Boats, Bombardier Motor Corp. Magic products, Lake-link.com, Fish-Wisconsin.com, Fishtheriver.com, Landbigfish.com, , CharlieBrewer tackle, Lowrance locators, St.Croix Rods, Heckels marine, Amherst Marine, Comprop Props, ISG Jigs, Reeds Sporting Goods, Big Fish Tackle Co., Ipsglass.com, Thermoilbatteries.com, Pepsi of Americas, Beckman nets, Trojan Batteries, Black-Widow Fishing Line, TICA Reels, Minn-Kota Trolling, motors, Austackle Lures, Exciter Baits, Today’s Tackle Co., Jere’s Bait and Tackle, Misty’s Menu, Tennesse Trailers, and others who have helped me along the way. This article may not be reproduced, or used in any way without my written permission.

Bob is a Licensed Wisconsin Fishing Guide, and owner of Gone Fishing Guide Service. Specializing in Walleyes, on the Wisconsin River System. He is also an outdoors field reporter for many fishing web sites, Author, Historian on the Wis. River and the Petenwell Flowage in Central Wisconsin, and on many Pro-Staff programs for various tackle manufactures, Crestliner Boats, and Evinrude Outboards. He has written many articles on Walleye Fishing, and informational articles on the waters in Central Wisconsin.

PLEASE CPR ALL FEMALES,THE FUTURE OF FISHING DEPENDS ON IT!!