Zebra mussels are an invasive species that originated in eastern Europe and western Asia. They were unintentionally transported to the Great Lakes region attached to boats and equipment. Zebra mussels spread rapidly by hitchhiking and through larvae transported in ballast water of ships. They harm native mussels by suffocating them and clog water intake pipes, causing economic and ecological damage. The student recommends taking action to stop their spread to other lakes.

1. A bad thing to step on
By:Sophie

2. A Zebra Mussel looks like a
small clam that is black
with gray stripes. They
have very sharp edges that
can cut easily. You will
notice them when you step
on them at your favorite

3. Where did this
organism originate?
The Caspian and
Aral seas in
eastern Europe
and also western
Asia.

4. How did this organism enter the Great Lakes
Region and how fast is it spreading?
They are
hitchhikers!

5.  They tagged onto the bottom of boats .Then
they were brought to a different lakes.
 They were brought on swim and scuba gear.
 Larvae were present in ballast water from
ocean going ships and were dumped into the
lakes when the ballast water was dumped.

6. How is this
organism
harmful?
Zebra mussels can
hurt and kill Native
Mussels by
suffocating them.
They can also clog
intake pipes, boat
motors and pumps.
This is a picture of
Zebra Mussel’s
clogging pipes

8. I think the world would really be better without
them.
I mean stepping on then and having them spread
just isn't fun.
So I think we should do something because do
you want them in your lake? Because I already
have them in my lake and they sure aren’t fun
so stop the spread!!!!!!!!!!!

9. • Nab the Aquatic Invader
http://www.iiseagrant.org/NabInvader/great_lakes.hml
• Ohio sea grant
http://www.iiseagrant.org/NabInvader/Lakes/
suspects/moreinfo_zeke.html