About

Since first appearing in the Great Lakes region in the late 1980s, invasive zebra and quagga mussels have caused significant ecological and economic impacts.  The scope of these impacts has increased and the need for effective control measures has grown as the mussels continue to spread from the Great Lakes across North America.

The Invasive Mussel Collaborative aims to produce measurable ecologic and economic benefits through advancement of scientifically sound technologies designed to control invasive zebra and quagga mussels. The collaborative intends to align existing science and management goals into a common agenda for invasive mussel control by providing a framework for communication and coordination, identifying the needs and objectives of resource managers, prioritizing the supporting science, and recommending communication strategies.

The founding members of the collaborative are the U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. A broad membership base of states, provinces, Indigenous Nations, and other entities forms a well-organized communication network that facilitates the exchange of information between scientists, managers, and stakeholders, while providing ongoing guidance and feedback within an adaptive management framework.

Click to view the Invasive Mussel Collaborative Prospectus

Invasive Mussel Collaborative Prospectus

Click to view the Invasive Mussel Collaborative Fact Sheet

Brief Overview of the IMC

The Invasive Mussel Collaborative has developed a management strategy to reduce invasive mussels and their negative impacts. The Strategy to Advance Management of Invasive Zebra and Quagga Mussels is intended to drive investments, policy, and research around invasive mussels across the Great Lakes region and beyond. The strategy identifies research and management objectives to guide the development of effective control methods that can be used to restore impacted ecosystems.

Resources & Publications

Zequanox Application Technique Pilot Study on Lake Erie

Megan M. Weber, Marrone Bio Innovations; Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Zebra Mussels Invade Ontario Waters

Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program