The infamous Zebra Mussel invasion of Bull Shoals!

Forsyth MO. - For many decades now, a small striped mussel has been invading fresh water lakes and streams, all across the Midwest! Known as the Zebra Mussel, for its unique striping pattern, this very invasive shellfish is native to the Black, Caspian, and Azov Seas. I understand that somewhere's about 1980, it's believed that the Zebra mussel was introduced, by accident. This occured when a trawler ship arrived from the Black Sea and dumped its ballest into one of the Great Lakes! The progress of the so-called 'invasion' can be seen in this graphic;

I decided to take a walk, on a nice and warm day in October, in River Run Park. River Run had been submerged for much of the past year due to heavy rains. When I arrived, I was amazed to witness a vast number of what looked like minature clams clinging to just about every surface near the Bull Shoals Lake.! There must have been tens of thousands that I could see in the immediate area. (To say these mussels are fast reproducers would be an understatement). I found the following pertaining this amazing reproductive ability; 'Under natural thermal regimes, zebra mussel oogenesis occurs in autumn, with eggs developing until release and fertilization in spring. In thermally polluted areas, reproduction can occur continually through the year. Females generally reproduce in their second year. Eggs are expelled by the females and fertilized outside the body by the males; this process usually occurs in the spring or summer, depending on water temperature.  Spawning may start when the water temperature reaches 12°C and release rate is maximized above 17-18°C (McMahon 1996). Over 40,000 eggs can be laid in a reproductive cycle and up to one million in a spawning season.' Wow! Thankfully, the mortality rate for these guys are very high!

The mussel grows tiny protein like 'hairs', on its ventral or bottom side, that it uses to attach itself firmly to an object. This hold, once established, is said to be stronger than a 'suction cup'!

I contacted the District office of the Corps of Engineers at 870-425-2700 and was informed that they had 'no plans' to do anything other than to address any impacts to the dams they monitor. (One has to really admire this 'can do' attitude). Also, as in most other government office, the Corps office was closed to the public due to the Covid-19 pandemic...

So, for now, I will assume that the invasion will continue unabaited.