ZEBRA MUSSELS IN THE SUIR

More bad news a Zebra Mussel taken from the river Suir today we now have Zebra Mussels and Chinese Mitten Crab.

Why are Zebra Mussels a problem to industry ?

Due to the ability to attach to hard surfaces zebra mussels clog pipes, drains and screens as many as 100,000 per square metre. This causes reduced water delivery to boat engines, power plants, industries, fish hatcheries and municipal waterworks resulting in engine overheating, fish moralities, increased maintenance costs and sometimes short term closures in production. In addition mussels occur in such numbers that they can change the ecology of some aquatic systems.

Where did they come from ?

Zebra Mussels expanded their range from rivers entering the Black Sea and Caspian Sea to much of Europe, attached to ships and boats, following the building of canals. The zebra mussel was established in Britain by 1830. In 1986 they were introduced to North America in ships'ballast water and now cause serious fouling problems there.

How did they get here ?

Zebra Mussels have recently appeared in very large numbers in the River Shannon in Limerick, Lough Derg and on boats as far north as Carrick on Shannon and to Laytown on the Grand trailers.

What can you do about Zebra Mussels ?

Zebra mussels can live out of water for several days in moist shaded areas. When kept wet, adults can survive for more than a week. This means that they can be transported easily from one region to another. Should your boat or fishing gear have been in an infested area for even a few days it could carry zebra mussels upstream or, by being moved by road, introduce them to another lake or river.