Monitoring the invaders beneath the surface
Invasive freshwater mussels can cause detrimental impacts to native biodiversity. Through their rapid spread they disrupt aquatic ecosystems, outcompete native species and alter water quality. Timely identification enables targeted management actions that can reduce ecological damage.
Mussels on the move
From water sample to warning signal
The invasive Quagga mussel has been spreading across the globe at a rapid rate. In recent years this has also affected Swiss lakes, where the mussel has established itself in many large water bodies.
Through our novel detection system, we tested a series of lakes in Switzerland that are currently still Quagga mussel free. Our technique demonstrated an early invasion at one site while still confirming the other water bodies to be Quagga mussel free. Seasonal monitoring is now being evaluated to continuously monitor the progression of this invasion.