Zebra Mussels and the Great Lakes
Water quality in the Great Lakes is something that is a vital issue in the Great Lakes Region. The quality of the largest chain of freshwater lakes is important to the nation and even the world. Water quality is anything that affects the benefits humans derives from water. It can include drinking water, food, recreation, and any other use of water that is possible. Zebra mussels pose a great threat to the water quality of the Great Lakes. Recreational fishing and boating are affected by the presence of zebra mussel. The ecosystem and industry relying on the Great Lakes are also affected by this invasion. This paper will discuss how the zebra mussel made it to the Great Lakes, the harm they cause, and possible solutions.How the Zebra Mussel Made it to the Great Lakes The zebra mussel was first found in the waters of the Great Lakes in 1988. Ships traveling up the Erie Canal transported the zebra mussel from European waters into the Great Lakes. . The zebra
This increases competition between native species and in turn reduces the population of those species. Government agencies like the EPA and Environment Canada are working on the problem. They compete with native species for food and habitat. There is little to no pressure on the government to keep foreign species from invading our Great Lakes. mussel quickly spread from Lake Erie to the other Great Lakes. Some proposal want ballast water sterilized before it is released into the great lakes. Ballast water is the water that a ship takes in and is later discharged somewhere else. It is a easy way for foreign species to find new homes. They cause stress on the environment and higher prices for consumers. Public organizations need to rally the people to demand action from the government. However, until the public becomes more aware of the problems they will continue to grow. Other organizations like the Lake Michigan Federation are also trying to fight the problems caused by zebra mussels. Since the zebra mussel was first found in the Great Lakes it is estimated that over 2 billion dollars have been spent in unclogging these pipes. These pipes take in water for drinking or for industrial purposes.
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