Eradicating Invasive Zebra Mussels by Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
© Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources Wisconsin Zebra Mussels
The wildlife action plan identifies non-native zebra mussels as a serious conservation concern. Infestations of zebra mussels would result in costly impacts to water supply systems, power generating facilities, and other industries across the Commonwealth.
In 2002, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries confirmed the only known occurrence of zebra mussels in a quarry in western Prince William County. Although zebra mussels affect a variety of wildlife species, the impacts to the state’s native freshwater mussels would be catastrophic if the mussels spread elsewhere. Instead, all of the zebra mussels were eliminated, completely removing zebra mussels from the Commonwealth. By eliminating this threat, Virginia not only ensures the health and survival of many wildlife species for the enjoyment of future generations, but also protects our commercial infrastructure from an expensive nuisance.
Photo: Destructive zebra mussels/Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
