Impact of the zebra mussel invasion on the ecological integrity of Lough Sheelin, Ireland: distribution, population characteristics and water quality changes in the lake

• DOI: 10.3391/ai.2008.3.3.2
• Publication Date: 2008-12-20T08:02:37Z
• Authors: Michael Millane; Mary Kelly-Quinn; Trevor Champ
• Keywords: Zebra mussel

The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas 1771), invaded Lough Sheelin in the midlands of Ireland 2001. In order to assess status mussel population lake, distribution, extent colonisation, abundance, biomass and size-frequency structure post-settlement stages were studied 2005 2006. addition, changes water quality parameters lake postestablishment assessed with reference pre-invasion period. Zebra mussels found throughout at most sites on all main categories substrates examined (stony soft substrate; submerged vegetation: Characeae, Elodea spp., Cladophora Potamogeton spp. Myriophyllum emergent Phragmites australis Schoenoplectus lacustris). Overall, increases density recorded from Analysis physiochemical data show a reduction chlorophyll an increase transparency, however total phosphorus concentration remains high. This paper highlights common misconception that introductions lead overall improvements quality.