The potential of zebra mussels as a model for invasion ecology

Dreissena polymorpha is one of the most aggressive aquatic invasive species in the northern hemisphere. Its ability to tolerate both brackish and totally fresh waters and to attach to hard substrates, along with its long-lived larval dispersal phase make it unusual among freshwater bivalves and contribute to its success as an invader. Because zebra mussels cause enormous economic damage, there has been extensive research on this species in a wide range of habitat types, providing the opportunity to examine many of the steps in the invasion process. We know that most invasions fail, and that there are many potential bottlenecks each invader must pass through for an invasion to be successful. Here, I outline the steps necessary for successful invasion by zebra mussels in four different types of aquatic habitats: lakes with major shipping ports, isolated inland lakes, lakes connected by surface waters, and river systems. For each step I suggest the life stage most likely to be important for successful invasion and potential control mechanisms that could be used to stop or slow an invasion.