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08 02 2011

Impacts of Dreissena Polymorpha

Posted by: Ming Ming Wang in Uncategorized, tags: , ,

An analysis conducted by David L Strayer of Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies shows that in the 20 years that Zebra Mussels (Dreissena Polymorpha) have been present in the United States, they have become one of the most dominant freshwater species. This comes at a huge expense to both native species as well as to humans. Even though the Zebra Mussel has had such a spectacular impact on the habitats in which it establishes itself, there are important questions that are still being ignored.

            The economic expenses alone caused by the Zebra Mussel infestation are estimated at over $100 million. While this is a staggering amount, key policies have still not been passed or even proposed in order to keep the spreading of the Mussel at bay.

            Public alarm associated with the expansion of the Mussel has driven technological and some policy advances, but much change is necessary to halt the spreading of the Zebra Mussel.

Front Ecol Environ 2009; 7(3): 135-141, doi:10.1890/080020(published online 25 Sept 2008)

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One Response to “Impacts of Dreissena Polymorpha”

  1.   Michael Potts Says:
    February 12th, 2011 at 5:28 pm

    I thought this was a very concise explanation of the article. It is simple and tells all the basic information that needs to be known, and sparks my interest in reading the entire article. My one concern however is to be careful with the second and third paragraphs. That writing comes across a little bit like they are your opinions or ideas, as opposed to things taken directly from the article. Perhaps it would be good to make it clear where those ideas are coming from by addressing the author of the paper again?