Dangers the Great Lakes are Facing

A certain species of animal has been taking over Michigan's Great Lakes, spreading rapidly and causing multitudes of harm. This type of aquatic invasive species is known as zebra mussels or Dreissena polymorpha. These invaders are small freshwater mussels that have the ability to stick on any hard surfaces. They prove to be a huge danger to the Great Lakes and need to be made aware of immediately. Without learning to recognize these creatures, they will continue to grow and contaminate our beloved waters.

We all know how clean, healthy aqueous environments are, and we want to do everything we can to protect them. Some of the information you read in these articles while open your eyes to all the disastrous effects caused by zebra mussels. For instance, mussel invasions have multiple harmful impacts on the ecosystem. They clog water intake structures, poignant water treatment and power plants. They will negatively impact recreational activities on lakes and rivers; even one thing as straightforward as walking on a beach becomes troublesome once it's heavily covered with sharp mussel shells. Mussels on boat hulls will have an effect on boat steering and interfere with engines. Ecological issues additionally result from mussel invasions. Zebra mussels will displace native aquatic species, either by killing them outright or by “outcompeting” the native mussels and alternative filter feeding invertebrates for food. More information will be given as you read on and truly understand how dangerous this specie is.

There are specialists working to help find ways to stop this environmental problem. For example, Denef, an associate LSA professor of ecology and organic biology, has been learning about microbes and their relevance to the aquatic systems of the Great Lakes region since 2000, once he initially came to Michigan to progress on his doctorate at Michigan State University. Denef’s analysis focuses on invasive species like zebra mussels and makes an attempt to answer questions on how mussel invasion affects completely different microorganism and the way the mussels themselves are, in fact, changing what is happening within the lakes.

Learning more about the role of zebra mussels on the ecosystem will help lead to a better understanding of what is truly happening in the freshwater bodies and a safer environment for the people and the waters of Michigan.

#savethelakes