Project overview
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), one of the most prevalent aquatic invasive species in North America and Europe, have threatened and substantially transformed freshwater ecosystems. Zebra mussels have expanded to at least 32 states in the USA, and the cost of prevention and mitigation of zebra mussel infestations continues to grow. The western front of the most actively expanding invasion lies within Minnesota (MN) and the Upper Mississippi River Basin, but zebra mussels continue to spread rapidly to other states. Thus, control of zebra mussel spread is a national and international goal.
Previous research carried out by our group utilized population genomics to characterize zebra mussels in >60 waterbodies to infer infestation scenarios and source waters among MN lakes. We found the Lower Great Lakes, Duluth/Superior Harbor in Lake Superior, and the Upper Mississippi River to be leading sources for new invasions in inland MN lakes. In addition, “hub lakes” infested several lakes within several regions due to short-distance mussel transportation.
This research proposal seeks to address the specific research priority of “AIS: Management.” We aim to use genomic tools to expand the knowledge of the genetic population structure of zebra mussels in the Upper Mississippi River Basin and use these data to determine the waterbodies responsible for new infestations. We will pair this genomic information with other data sources on lake traffic and usage to infer vectors of spread and will make this information accessible through an online web app to help inform AIS management strategies. Timely information on sources of spread is critical for advising prevention efforts to block export from high-traffic source lakes and to shield vulnerable, uninfested lakes.