Economic Impact of Zebra Mussels

From September 17, 1990 (update #4)

The damage caused by the zebra mussel invasion has resulted in minimal costs to Lake Erie users so far, according to preliminary results of a survey by economist Leroy Hushak of The Ohio State University published in the August issue of Ohio Sea Grant's Twine Line newsletter. Charter captains, commercial shippers and marina operators in particular reported only minor costs related to zebra mussel infestations, and those costs were largely associated with such measures as the application of preventive paints. Larger costs were reported by municipal water utilities, power plants and industrial users with water intakes in the lake, but those costs were limited to a small number of intakes. Similarly, Peter Brown, research director for OMC Corp., a manufacturer of marine engines in Waukesha, Wis., said OMC had received few inquiries or complaints of zebra mussel damage to water-cooled boat engines. Carver Boats in Pulaski, Wis., also had received only a few reports of problems associated with zebra mussels infestations. This may be good news for recreational users of the Great Lakes, but it does not negate the fact that several Lake Erie utilities and industries with water intakes have experienced major costs associated with zebra mussel infestations.

ID: 19900917-6.

The Zebra Mussel Update was a 4- to 8-page quarterly national newsletter published by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute from May 1990 through May 1997. The ZMU documented the spread of the zebra mussel -- an exotic nuisance mussel -- through North America's freshwater environments, especially the Great Lakes, and on efforts to control it.