 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Non-Native Plants and Animals |
 |
Many waters in New York State have been affected by the unintentional introduction of non-native plants and animals such as zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, water chestnut and the river ruffe. Often, when species such as these are first introduced, there is an absence of natural mechanisms such as predators or diseases to control these new organisms and so their numbers can skyrocket out of control. The new invading species may rapidly displace native species by outcompeting them for resources such as food and growing space. As a result, the entire natural balance and species composition of the aquatic system can be seriously disrupted, including the fisheries.
| What
Are Zebra Mussels? |
|
| Identification: |
| Zebra mussels are small shellfish named for the striped pattern of their shells. Color patterns can vary to the point of having only dark or light colored shells and no stripes. They are typically found attached to objects, surcaces, or each other by threads underneath the shells. Although similar in appearance to the quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis), the two species can be easily distinguished. When placed on a surface zebra mussels are stable on their flattened underside while quagga mussels, lacking a flat underside, will fall over. See Mackie and Schlosser (1996) for a key to adult
Dreissenids. |
|
| Size: |
| < 50 mm |
|
| Native Range: |
| Zebra mussels are native to the Black, Caspian, and Azov Seas. In 1769, Pallas first described populations of this species from the Caspian Sea and Ural River. |
|
| For
more information about
Zebra Mussels and
other Non-Native Plants and Animals
please visit the
USGS's NAS (Nonindigenous Aquatic Species) Program. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Zebra Mussel Prevention |
|
| Although removing zebra mussels from a lake or river is almost impossible, preventing their spread into new areas is not. Human activities have spread zebra mussels into many inland lakes and streams, usually through recreational boating, fishing, and diving practices. Simple steps such as draining live wells, cleaning vegetation off boat trailers, removing attached zebra mussels from boat hulls, and not dumping bait into lakes or rivers can prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other exotics into non-infested waters. |
|
|
| What
Can I Do? |
|
| Anglers
and boaters can help maintain the state's great fishing by carefully following a few simple guidelines to prevent the spread of unwanted aquatic species. |
|
| To Stop Aquatic Invaders: |
|
- Remove all mud and aquatic plants from all gear, boats, motors and trailers before departing from an access site.
- Drain all water including bilges, live wells and bait tanks before departing from an access site.
- Dry boat and equipment thoroughly after use, or flush bilges and clean boat with very hot water or steam clean.
- Do not transport fish from one body of water to another.
- Do not release unused bait into any body of water, dump bait buckets on land away from the water.
- Do not dispose of fish carcasses or by-products in any body of water.
- Do Not assume that a body of water is already contaminated and ignore protective measures.
|
| New
York Lakes That Already Have Zebra
Mussels |
|
The
Great Sacandaga Lake is not
on this list yet.
Please let's keep it that
way! |
|
Cayuga Lake - Cayuga Co.
Owasco Lake- Cayuga Co.
Chautauqua Lake - Chautauqua Co.
Lake Champlain - Clinton, Essex Co.
Conesus Lake - Livingston Co.
Hemlock Lake - Livingston Co.
Eaton Brook Reservoir - Madison Co.
Hinckley Reservoir - Oneida Co.
Oneida Lake - Oneida Co.
Cross Lake - Onondaga Co.
Onondaga Lake - Onondaga Co.
Otisco Lake - Onondaga Co.
Skaneateles Lake - Onondaga Co. |
|
Canandaigua Lake - Ontario Co.
Honeoye Lake - Ontario Co.
Canadarago Lake - Otsego Co.
Goodyear Lake - Otsego Co.
Ballston Lake - Saratoga Co.
Saratoga Lake - Saratoga Co.
Seneca Lake - Seneca Co.
Black Lake - St. Lawrence Co.
Glen Lake - Warren Co.
Lake George - Warren Co.
Silver Lake - Wyoming Co.
Keuka Lake - Yates Co.
* All of the Mohawk
River has Zebra
Mussels. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
