Invasive Mussel Collaborative

 

The introduction of invasive zebra and quagga mussels has had a significant ecological and economic impact on the Great Lakes region. The Invasive Mussel Collaborative (IMC) was established to bring leaders in the region together to combat this threat. The IMC provides a framework for communication and coordination between a broad membership base of states, provinces, tribal and other entities to determine management objectives for invasive mussels and identify and guide research needed to achieve those objectives. A collaborative approach works to align science and management goals into a common agenda. For more information about our work, please visit our website at https://invasivemusselcollaborative.net/.

The Invasive Mussel Collaborative (IMC) aims to develop and guide the implementation of a long-term adaptive strategy for effective mussel control that can be applied across the Great Lakes and beyond. To realize this goal, the IMC will assist in developing and evaluating cost-effective treatment technologies; establish and facilitate the use of common metrics to assess mussel control efforts; address uncertainties surrounding ecosystem response to control mechanisms and changing mussel populations; investigate social and economic impacts of control efforts and associated ecosystem responses; promote information-sharing; and provide the tools to facilitate decision-making.

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugensis, respectively) are causing significant ecological and economic impacts and the scope of these impacts has increased as they continue to spread from the Great Lakes across North America, from the Hudson River in the east to Lake Mead in the west.

The Invasive Mussel Collaborative was established to advance scientifically sound technology for invasive mussel control to produce measurable ecological and economic benefits. The Collaborative provides a framework for communication and coordination, identifying the needs and objectives of resource managers, prioritizing the supporting science, recommending communication strategies, and aligning science and management goals into a common agenda for invasive mussel control.

The founding members of the collaborative are the U.S. Geological Survey, the Great Lakes Commission, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The Great Lakes Commission provides coordination and neutral backbone support for the collaborative. A broad membership base of states, provinces, tribal and other entities and a well-organized communication network facilitates the exchange of information between scientists, managers and stakeholders, and provides ongoing guidance and feedback within an adaptive management framework. Strong connections with other regions are being developed and provide a framework for application elsewhere.


This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Geological Survey under Grant/Cooperative Agreement No. G18AC00279. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Funding

This project is supported with funding through the U.S. Geological Survey under Grant/Cooperative Agreement No. G18AC00279

For More Information

invasivemusselcollaborative.net

Get the latest Great Lakes Commission news and events in your inbox!

Sign up for our e-newsletter

Get the latest Great Lakes Commission news and events in your inbox!