Invasive Species, Zebra Mussel

In 2002, zebra mussels were considered the "most aggressive freshwater invader worldwide." Once introduced, populations can grow quickly and exceed 10 times that of native species. "Freshwater mussels are the most imperiled faunal group in North America with 60% of the species considered endangered or threatened. The zebra mussel represents a new stress to populations of these native mussels as it is a biofouling organism that smothers the shells of other molluscs and competes with suspension feeders for food." Native to Central Asia, it has been introduced to north-west Russia, Europe, and North America. "In 1988 it first appeared in Lake St. Clair and rapidly spread throughout the Great Lakes and large river drainages of North America; it appeared on the west coast in California in 2008."