Article written by: Andy Buchsbaum, and published by the Greenhaven Press copyright 2010
Article:
http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/ViewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=Viewpoints&disableHighlighting=false&prodId=OVIC&action=e&windowstate=normal&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ3010670210&mode=view
Picture:
http://michpics.wordpress.com/2010/09/15/yesterday-sand-today-zebra-mussels-quagga-mussels/
This photograph shows the zebra mussels that have wreaked havoc upon the Great Lake's ecosystems. As you can see, the amount of these mussels is truly incredible for a species that has just recently been found here.
Summary:
The Great Lakes are in some serious trouble. The infestation of species like these mussels, as well as human pollution are putting major questions towards the survival of many native species. After
a 2005 report on the situation, the issue was truly discovered. Many invasive species that were not priorly known to live in the Great Lakes were found to have been destroying the ecosystem within the Great Lakes. One key factor that was majorly affected was the food web of this region. Because many of these invasive species feed very much on the organisms at the base of the food web, this is causing the higher level organisms to decline in population. Efforts have been made to stop further invasions of these harmful species and others of the sort. These efforts include an electric barrier placed at the mouth of an entrance to the Great Lakes.
Opinion/Reflection:
This kind of invasion comes at no surprise to me. I have seen several documentaries of these types of infestations on the Mississippi River. It does surprise me though that this type of colonization is happening so quickly. It seems to me like something of this caliber would be such a fast occurence. As I stated in the picture section, the populations of these new species are incredible. It interests me at how these species are causing issues. These mussels are said to just cover the entire lake bottom for acres at time. This kills off the producers that grow on the bottom. I don't think that there is a way to control infestations like this, more likely, they have to stop them before they even start.
Questions:
- Why are the native species having difficulty coping with these new species?
- How, if possible, could the people of the region handle this infestation?
- Do humans play a part in these infestations?
- Why do these species multiply so quickly in their new environments?
I have a conflicted opinion on this article. On one hand, I think the effects that the new species is having on the Great Lakes ecosystem regarding the survival of the native species are troubling. However, I also believe in the “survival of the fittest.” I think sometimes humans try to control too many things in nature. Sometimes trying to control one problem actually starts a new problem.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of the zebra mussels, though, it does seem that the infestation is rapid and irreversible. There seems to be no way for people to control their reproduction. However, one known way for humans to control future infestation to other waterways is to be very careful not to spread the mussels through boating, fishing or diving. Checking boats and diving equipment for attached zebra mussels and not dumping fishing bait into non-infested waters can prevent the spread of zebra mussels. (See for example, http://www.glsc.usgs.gov/main.php?content=research_invasive_zebramussel&title=Invasive%20Invertebrates0&menu=research_invasive_i)
Infestations like this can unfortunately start by accidentally “importing” species from other countries. I saw this happening when I lived in South Carolina. In the early 1900s, fire ants were accidentally brought to Alabama from South America. Since then, they have infested 14 states and can destroy crops and trees and are dangerous to children and small animals. Like the zebra mussels, it is almost impossible to get rid of the fire ants but their spread can be controlled also by being very careful about checking transported soil, plants, and equipment.
If we are more aware and cautious of the effects that human activities can have on ecosystems and the environment, maybe we can prevent infestations and negative changes in the future.
I absolutely agree with Kelly's comment. Interfering with nature is a very slippery slope. While we may feel obligated to intervene in certain situations our actions can turn out catastrophic. All too often we find ourselves worse then when we started. The native species are dealing with a serious lack of resources thanks to the invading organisms. Humans could offer a solution to exterminate the muscles, but a plan like this is riddled with consequences and risks. After all, more often than not, humans are the cause of this infestations. With careless action, like carrying muscles on a fishing boat, we can create chaos. With an endless amount of resources, these invading species thrive to the point where there is nothing left.
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