Using a structured decision making process (SDM), MAISRC researchers will develop and implement a comprehensive lake management plan to control zebra mussels, monitor ecological impacts, and establish long-term strategies for restoring lake health.
MAISRC researchers are conducting a project to apply the results of a Structured Decision-Making (SDM) workshop in managing an established zebra mussel population within an entire lake. The study will use the latest zebra mussel control research to develop a management plan aimed at restoring the lake’s ecological functions.
The project will begin by identifying specific objectives for zebra mussel control tailored to the lake in question. Researchers will monitor key lake health indicators—such as zooplankton and algae abundance—for one year prior to implementing any control measures. These indicators provide important insights into the lake's ecological state.
In the second year, a control plan will be executed based on the lake-specific goals. The plan will detail the selection of appropriate control tools, as well as the timing and methods of application. After implementation, researchers will monitor the results to measure changes in zebra mussel density and the immediate impact on the lake's ecological indicators.
The findings will be used to create a long-term monitoring plan for the lake. This plan will determine how frequently control actions are needed to suppress zebra mussels and track changes in the lake's ecological functions over time.
Whole-lake control and monitoring studies like this are essential to understanding the costs, benefits, and trade-offs of managing zebra mussels. The results of this research could inform more effective and practical strategies for dealing with this invasive species, which has proven challenging to control in the past.
Media
Prairie Sportsman, aired April 2023