Date of Award
12-2022
Degree Type
Report
Degree Name
Master of Natural Resources (MNR)
Department
Natural Resources
Committee Chair(s)
Chris Luecke
Committee
Chris Luecke
Abstract
Invasive species issues have been on the rise in the United States for decades. These organisms can disrupt the natural flow of an ecosystem and overtake native species, altering an environment as a whole. The introduction of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in 1988, followed by the quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis) in 1989 is arguably the most prolific aquatic infestation the nation is currently up against (Hoddle, 2022). Beginning in the Great Lakes, both quagga and zebra mussels quickly spread their infestations through the Midwest and the East coast. The potential invasion of these species across the West poses the same environmental concerns as the current infestations, though an introduction of quagga or zebra in the western states would affect the economy, residents’ taxes and utility bills, and the agriculture and recreation industries.
Recommended Citation
Silva, Casey, "The Impacts of a Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation" (2022). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 1689.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1689
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