Organizations Seek Progress On Recovery From Mussel Invasion

Three organizations say they’re relying on an intergovernmental body to develop solutions to problems caused by invasive mussels in the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes Commission, International Joint Commission and Great Lakes Fishery Commission said Monday they’re endorsing the Invasive Mussel Collaborative as the “go-to forum” to take the lead.

The collaborative was established in 2015 to share information, identify research and management priorities and promote technologies for controlling exotic mussel species. Zebra and quagga mussels have upended Great Lakes ecosystems and caused billions of dollars in damages since arriving in freighter ship ballast water some 30 years ago.

The collaborative released a mussel management plan last year for boosting research and control methods. It also called for repairing aquatic habitat damaged by the invaders and restoring native mussel populations.