“In conclusion…there is a high risk of [zebra mussels] not only surviving in some parts of Okanagan Lake, but a high potential for massive infestations.” – Gerald L. Mackie, 2010
Sometimes we need to do environmental triage – focusing on what’s most important, and what approaches are likely to succeed.
![Native mussel crusted with zebra mussels. See: http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/animals_plants/mollusk/musselmanual/page176_7.html](http://www.obwb.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Native-mussel-crusted-with-zebra-mussels-300x204.gif)
When water conditions are right, zebra mussels reproduce rapidly and can completely cover the shells of native mussels.
Lately I’ve been trying to get a better understanding of the situation with mussels in the lakes. There are two of immediate concern – a species native to the Okanagan, the Rocky Mountain ridged mussel, on the verge of local extinction, and an invasive – the zebra mussel, which is spreading rapidly across North America and heading this way.
These species are an example of how we grapple with management approaches and trade-offs, and the best course for protecting biodiversity for the whole ecosystem. Continue reading