Shellfish intrusion increasing in the rivers Moose and Sorpeseek

Shellfish intrusion increasing in the rivers Moose and Sorpeseek

Updated Article:

Stand: 05.06.2025, 14:56

World Environment Day rings an alarm for the notorious Quagga mussel, an invasive species from the Black Sea. These pesky critters are wreaking havoc in our corner of the world, slithering their way into the Möhne and Sorpe lakes. It's believed they hitched a ride here via dirty boat hulls.

By the Name of Lars Faulenbach

Despite their minuscule size—just a centimeter long at full maturity—Quagga mussels are causing some serious trouble. Originally from the Black Sea, they've been making a beeline for Europe and North America, turning ecosystems upside down and shaking up the natural balance by gobbling up animal plankton, algae, and plant plankton.

Mussels: The Filth-clogging Tramps

On top of devouring their food, these tiny mussels create a nuisance by clogging filters and equipment at water treatment plants. Local fish mongers, like the bream and roach, might nibble on them, but their palates are nowhere near big enough to make a dent in their population.

The Quagga mussel is causing a turbulence in the Sorpe and Möhne lakes, and it's unclear if they've settled in other water reservoirs in the Ruhr region or the dams just yet.

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Divers have spotted clusters of up to 1500 Quagga mussels per square meter in the Möhne lake, even at astonishing depths of 20 meters. Mussel growth can be seen on bridge pilings and dead trees submerged underwater.

Invading the Ruhr Region: The Unwelcome Quagga Mussel

This year, the Ruhr Association plans to execute another diving survey at the Sorpe lake to gauge the extent of the infestation there.

Boat Owners in the Spotlight

It seems the mussels made their way here via boats. Thanks to their tiny larvae and eggs, undetectable to the naked eye, the Ruhr Association is urging boat owners to give their vessels a good scrub-down with a pressure washer before moving them from one body of water to another.

A Small Creature with a Big Impact: The Quagga mussel can inflict significant economic and ecological damage.

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Sources:

• Ruhr Association

Time to Say Adieu:## The Quagga Mussel Stowaway

To Combat, You Must Educate and Inspect

Curbing the spread of quagga mussels in water bodies, such as those in the Ruhr region, necessitates some concerted measures.

Effective Strategies for Quagga Mussel Prevention:

1. Regular Inspections and Decontamination
2. Routinely inspect and disinfect boats, equipment and watercraft for quagga mussels or their larvae. Decontamination methods, such as the application of hot water, must be used on all equipment that has encountered infected water[4][5].
3. Quarantine and Drying
4. Implementing quarantine periods for boats that have been in infested waters can aid in stopping the propagation. Likewise, ensuring that all equipment is completely dry before transportation is crucial, as even small quantities of water can carry invasive species[5].
5. Strict Boating Regulations
6. Tightening boating restrictions, by requiring boats to undergo quarantine or decontamination before joining non-infested water bodies, can considerably lower the risk of quagga mussel introduction[2][5].
7. Public Enlightenment
8. Informing the public about the hazards associated with invasive species and the importance of adhering to prevention protocols is vital. This includes instruction on the necessity to clean, drain, and dry all equipment before using it in any body of water[5].
9. Monitoring and Surveillance
10. Continuous monitoring of water bodies for signs of quagga mussel presence helps in early detection and swift response to prevent colonization. This includes regular examinations and monitoring programs[5].

Additional Precautions for the Ruhr Region:

• Infrastructure Protection: Regular inspections of infrastructure such as pipes and machinery can aid in identifying any early signs of quagga mussel infestation, similar to efforts against the golden mussel in California[2].
• Collaborative Endeavors: Cooperation between local authorities, water management agencies, and the public is necessary for successful prevention and management strategies.
• Continuous Research and Adaptation: Continual research into the impacts and management strategies for quagga mussels with local adaptations can improve prevention efforts.

Effective prevention of quagga mussel spread requires a team effort among local communities, water management authorities, and environmental agencies.

1. The environmental impacts of Quagga mussels extend beyond the food chain, as they also pose threats to health-and-wellness by clogging filters and equipment at water treatment plants, potentially affecting the quality of our drinking water.
2. In the realm of science, understanding and addressing climate change is crucial for mitigating the introduction and spread of invasive species like the Quagga mussel, as warmer temperatures may facilitate their survival in new environments, making prevention and control efforts more challenging.

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