February 17, 2004

SEVEN MORE ZEBRA MUSSEL-INFESTED LAKES CONFIRMED IN 2003; REPORTS IMPORTANT TO NEW TRACKING PROJECT

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The number of Michigan's inland lakes infested with zebra mussels continues to climb. In 2003, seven lakes were added to the list, which now totals 184, according to Michigan Sea Grant. Last year, the striped mollusks were found for the first time in the following lakes: Green (Allegan County); Bellaire (Antrim County); Sand (Clare County); Bird, Fish (Hillsdale County); Long (Kalamazoo County); Highland (Oakland County). 

All of the 2003 reports came from lakefront property owners and resource managers who found adult colonies of the mussels clinging to surfaces such as boats, docks, rocks, dams and water pumps.

Mike Klepinger, Michigan Sea Grant Extension specialist, encouraged citizens to look for zebra mussels whenever they go to an inland lake. "If you find what you think is a mussel in a lake or stream not already on the list of infected lakes (see the web site), note the date and precise location where you found it; take the mussel (several if possible) and store in rubbing alcohol, then immediately call Michigan Sea Grant Extension."

Michigan Sea Grant Extension offices are located in: East Lansing (517) 353-9568; Tawas City (800) 792-7404; Grand Haven (616) 846-8250; Marquette, (906) 226-3687, and Clinton Township (589) 469-7431.

Data from Zebra Mussel Infestation Monitoring Program records, maintained by Michigan Sea Grant on the web, are being used by the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) in a new project--A Model GIS (Geographic Information System) Assessment of Nonindigenous Invasive Species in Michigan Water. According to GLC project manager Tom Rayburn, the zebra mussel is one of seven species being tracked through the new model in order to provide timely, valid, reliable and practical information to assist managers and decision makers in implementing nonindigenous species prevention and control efforts within the state. 

Other species being tracked in the GIS system are purple loosestrife (see the Purple Pages), sea lamprey, water fleas, ruffe, goby and Eurasian water milfoil.

Rayburn stressed the importance of continuing to collect data on these species. He said, "The more managers know about the scope of these invasions, the better they will be able to target critical resources to controlling them and preventing new introductions."