Negative Impacts on the Economy

Zebra mussels cost the U.S. economy more than $1 billion annually. This is because they cause significant amounts of damage to boats and other water-related equipment by clogging up their motors and hulls. They can also decrease the property values of our Great lakes since their sharp shells end up littering our beaches and cause harm to those who accidentally step on their multiple clusters. This affects recreational tourism and, in return, decrease the property values.

Since zebra mussels colonize on hard surfaces at average water depth, power plant water intake structures are victims to the clogging of zebra mussels. For example, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, some drinking water facilities located on Lake Erie reported major fallouts in pumping capacity and occasional closedowns caused by clusters of zebra mussels. To control and maintain zebra mussels, a drinking water company might spend about $320,000 per year while a nuclear power plant may spend $2 million per year. Consequently, those costs are typically given to consumers each time electricity and water are used.

Recreational tourism can also be harmed by the invasive species. It is not a suprising fact that the Great Lakes are a critical component to local recreation and tourism in Michigan. Zebra mussels have affected the ability to swim, boat and fish on local lakes, and even enjoy lake aesthetics. These areas of impact have also been linked to decreasing property values and tourism. Specifically, there have been numerous reports of boat motors overheating since cooling water gulfs are clogged by zebra mussels. Multiple paints containing tin or copper are helpful in preventing zebra mussel buildup, but its use has been banned by Michigan's Department of Agriculture because they can harm other native creatures.

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