The long-term effect on unionid health by removing D. polymorpha in a northern Michigan lake.

Abstract

In an attempt to combat the hold D. polymorph has on the native clam species of Douglas Lake in Cheboygan County, Michigan, USA, residents of the University of Michigan Biological Station have been removing zebra mussels from clams found within the beach waters of South Fishtail Bay‐where the station is located‐for the past five years (Robert Pillsbury, personal communication). This study was performed to determine whether this practice of “shucking” is helping the native clams in South Fishtail Bay. Past studies have found zebra mussel infestation negatively affects unionid growth (Mackie, 1991).