Where did they come from?
Native to the Caspian and Black Seas, zebra mussels were most likely transported in the ballast water of transatlantic ships and were first discovered in the U.S. in 1988. Scientists had been predicting such an introduction since the 1920s, but poor water quality prevented zebra mussels from colonizing. It was successful efforts to improve the Great Lakes environment that eventually allowed their introduction. Since then, the mussels have spread throughout the United States, causing both devastating ecological damage and incalculable economic loss.
Prolificly horrible
Highly fertile zebra and quagga mussel females release up to 5 million eggs per year,, allowing populations to explode quickly. These invasive mussels attach themselves to any submerged hard surface, including the shells of native mussels. By cementing to native mussels in great numbers, the mussels interfere with the native species growth, feeding, movement, respiration, and reproduction. It is predicted that zebra and quagga mussel invasions will reduce native mussel species by as much as 50 percent in the next decade, causing the extinction of up to 140 species. Invasive mussels affect other aspects of the host ecosystem as well. They feed voraciously on phytoplankton, outcompeting zooplankton for this food source and disrupting pre-existing food webs. The water is really clear, but the fish are gone.
Economic Impact
Zebra and quagga mussels' penchant for colonizing on hard surfaces has caused huge problems for industries world-wide. Water intake pipes are often encrusted with thousands of zebra mussels which increase sedimentation and corrosion of the pipes, as well as restricting or stopping water flow. Maintenance of pipes clogged with invasive mussels costs hundreds of millions of dollars per year and, temporary shutdowns due to insufficient water flow can cost thousands of dollars per hour. Most, if not all, of the cost is passed on to consumers. It is not possible to accurately calculate the total economic impact of the zebra and quagga mussel invasion, but some have it estimated to exceed $15 billion over the next ten years.
A Real Solution
The Dock Disk and its patented technology can provide a real solution to any industry faced with dealing with zebra and/or quagga mussels. We can design a mussel repelling system for almost any application. Marine applications like boats, docks, slips, buoys, etc...are obvious. Any industry that uses water from a source that is infested with invasive mussels is susceptible to higher production costs, increased maintenance expense, and equipment damage. Consumers like you are paying the bill and don't even realize it. By using our patented technology and incorporating our proven process, we can reduce and/or eliminate costs associated with invasive mussels.