Abstract
The zebra mussel is a successful invasive freshwater bivalve that has colonised large parts of Europe and North America. Since in most cases its arrival has had severe economic and ecological consequences, attempts have been made to predict the further spread of the zebra mussel within Europe and especially North America. The aim of this study was to determine the possibilities and limitations for a global range expansion of the zebra mussel based on its biology, ecology and physiology. We propose that a range expansion by the zebra mussel is restricted to fresh- and brackish waters (with salinities ranging 0.007-14 ‰) within the temperature range of the 10°C isotherm of the coldest month and the 14°C isotherm of the warmest month where the environmental conditions meet the requirements for simultaneous reproductive activity within populations. The potential expansion is further most likely restricted to the northern hemisphere where mean dissolved calcium concentrations exceed the 12-15 mg l-1 threshold necessary for egg development and shell growth. Within these regions, ports and harbours within 3-5 weeks of cross-oceanic journey are likely to be colonised in the future.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Zebra Mussel in Europe |
| Editors | G. van der Velde, S. Rajagopal, A. bij de Vaate |
| Publisher | Margraf Publishers |
| Chapter | 4 |
| Pages | 45-58 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9783823615941 |
| Publication status | Published - 2010 |