Zebra/Quagga Mussels

Problem

Zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis) are two of the world’s most problematic biological invaders (Figure 1a).  They are colonizing and devastating lakes and rivers across North America. They recently invaded Montana and might soon invade the Columbia River drainage. The Independent Economic Analysis Board has calculated the economic risk of a mussel invasion in the Columbia River drainage to cost the region tens of millions of dollars annually (IEAB 2013). Moreover, it would threaten the health of native fish populations, in which billions of dollars have already been invested (IEAB 2013). These invasive mussels can clog water intakes and damage equipment by attaching to boat motors and hard surfaces. They can collapse fisheries, smother native species including mussels and crayfish (Figure 1 b,c), and litter beaches with their sharp shells that cut the feet of children and pets. Adult zebra mussels can survive out of water for days, attached to boat hulls or fishing equipment and thus can be spread easily and widely among lakes and regions (Minnesota DNR). Larval mussels can survive for days in water left in boat bilges or motors or equipment.

Figure 1. (a) Comparison of quagga (left) and zebra (right) mussels (Michigan Sea Grant). (b) Boat propeller encrusted with Dreissenid mussels (Protect Our Freshwater) (c) Crayfish covered in mussels leading to a slow death (SLELO PRISM).

Figure 2. Locations of zebra and quagga mussel occurrences (red and green, respectively), and occurrences of both species (yellow). The arrows and nine purple squares are some of locations where eradication was successful (USGS 2014).

Zebra/Quagga Mussels Threat Video

Solutions:  eDNA Tests to help Prevent Zebra Mussel Invasion

Our DNA-based PCR tests provide sensitive and rapid identification from water samples; this is crucial for the early detection and containment to help prevent their spread.  Success of control strategies (e.g., quarantine, removal, or decontamination of boats and docks; or killing mussels with chemicals) is improved by early detection (Hosler 2011; Sepulveda et al. 2012) and eradication is more likely possible if invaders are discovered before the population becomes well established (Figure 2).

Early detection is increasingly feasible thanks to recent advances in genetic technologies using environmental DNA (eDNA). Water samples contain eDNA that can be extracted from the sample and used for the detection of tiny organisms (larvae) or cells sloughed from a target species via PCR testing (Beja-Pereira et al. 2009; Blanchet 2012). Surprisingly, relatively little research has been published on the sensitivity and reliability of genetic methods for detection of Dreissenid mussels (but see Gingera et al. 2016).  We have developed and are refining field sampling protocols and DNA tests for the early-detection of Dreissena taxa from plankton tow samples from multiple lakes and streams in Montana and the Pacific North West.

 

Development of field eDNA sampling protocols

We have developed and validated a large volume water sampling protocol for lakes and streams (Figure 3) (Shabacker et al. in prep). We also have new equipment for collecting eDNA from large volumes of water autonomously, i.e. automatically (and repeatedly) without a human present (Figure 4).

Figure 3.  Large volume water sample for environmental DNA (eDNA) collection by plankton tow net (a,b,c) versus traditional sampling (d).

Figure 4. Schematic and photo of autonomous sampler. Blue Arrows: Primary flow path for water through the instrument. Green arrows: Flow path for eDNA sample preservative. Red Arrows: Sample flow paths.

References

• Beja-Pereira, A., Oliveira R., Schwartz M.K., Luikart G. (2009) Advancing ecological understanding through technological transformation in noninvasive genetics. Mol Ecol Res 9, 1279–1301. 
• Blanchet S (2012) The use of molecular tools in invasion biology: an emphasis on freshwater ecosystems. Fish Management Ecology 19: 120–132.
• Gingera et al. (2016) Environmental DNA as a detection tool for zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) at the forefront of an invasion event in Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Management of Biological Invasions 8: 287-300. https://doi.org/10.3391/mbi.2017.8.3.03 
• Hosler DM (2011) Early detection of dreissenid species—zebra/quagga mussels in water systems. Aquatic Invasions 6: 217–222. 
• Independent Economic Analysis Board (IEAB). (2013). Invasive mussels update, economic risk associated with the potential establishment of zebra and quagga mussels in the Columbia River Basin. Task Number 201. Document IEAB 2013–2. 
• Schabacker J., S.J. Amish, A. Sepulveda, B. Gardner, D. Miller, Y. Wang, G. Luikart.   Improved eDNA detection using large volume water samples and seasonal sampling. In Prep. 
• Sepulveda A, Ray A, Al-Chokhachy R, Muhlfeld C, Gresswell R, Gross J, Kershner J (2012) Aquatic invasive species: lessons from Cancer Research The medical community’s successes in fighting cancer offer a model for preventing the spread of harmful invasive species. American Scientist 100:234–242. 
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, “Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha).” Aquatic Invasive Species, www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquaticanimals/zebramussel/index.html.