Best Management Practices for Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species ...... Link to document
Boater Action Plan.....Link to document
Invasive Species Ontario.....Link to Webpage
Ontario Invasive Species Act (know the law).....Link to Webpage
Zebra Mussels:
Wash Your Boat Before Entering Round Lake
There is a real concern about Zebra Mussels in our region. We are lucky so far not to have any reported on our lake. Nearby lakes, such as Lake Clear and Lake Dore are reported to be, not so lucky.
Zebra Mussels are filter feeders that attach themselves to solid surfaces. They breed very quickly, as females can release up to one million eggs each breeding season. After the eggs are fertilized, larvae (called veligers) emerge and are free-swimming for up to a month. The combination of these factors mean that Zebra Mussels can colonize in densities over 700,000 individuals per m2 on surfaces such as: boats, docks, rocks, plants, and native mussels.
Zebra Mussels can have significant negative impacts on freshwater habitats by out-competing native species for food. This means they can change the ecosystem by:
removing native species’ food sources, such as plankton
affecting fish spawning areas by changing important substrates, which impacts the survival of fish eggs
creating clearer water and allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper, which in turn increases the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation, leading to toxic algal blooms, and increasing pathogenic bacteria, avian botulism, and localized anoxia
Zebra Mussels are especially harmful for native mussels, many of which are species at risk. They outcompete these species for food and will attach themselves to native mussels, suffocating them. Zebra Mussels cause millions of dollars in damage every year by clogging intake structures in power stations and water treatment plants as well as damaging watercrafts. They also make a lake dangerous and unpleasant to swim in, due to the sharpness of the mussels.
What Can You Do?
Be aware of what Zebra Mussels look like and Always Wash your boat or watercraft thoroughly before bringing it into Round Lake. Spread the word on this important issue, and please report any sightings to: rlpoa.killaloe@gmail.com
