Delaware Sea Grant Program
Exotic Species Education and Outreach

The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is a good example of exotic species. The threat of zebra mussel invasion in Delaware and the entire Mid-Atlantic Region is a reality. To date, no reported sightings have occurred in the Delaware Estuary system, whose drainage basin extends in to the states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Monitoring for zebra mussels is currently taking place at numerous sites along the Delaware River and upper portions of the bay.

Since zebra mussels prefer freshwater environments, other waters throughout the state may also be susceptible to colonization. Delaware has many freshwater streams, rivers and ponds that could sustain populations of mussels if they became infested. If these habitats become infested, they could impact native fish species, affect recreational boaters and other water users and become additional conduits for spreading the mussels.

  • Exotic Species Watch: News about Non-Native Aquatic Plants and Animals of concern to Delaware

    The purpose of this quarterly bulletin is to inform readers about non-native aquatic plants and animals that pose a threat to Delaware. It is produced by the University of Delaware Sea Grant College Program in cooperation with the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

    Spring, 1995 Issue

    • Zebra Mussels Confirmed at New Site in Pennsylvania
    • How Does the Zebra Mussel Get from One Waterway to Another?
    • Protecting Against a Zebra Mussel Invasion: City of Baltimore Case Study
    • Purple Loosestrife: A Nuisance Plant on the Loose
    • Hydrilla: Friend or Foe?
    Fall, 1995 Issue
    • The Grass Carp: A Living Wee Eater
    • Mussels Trouble Firefighters
    • Feeling the Costs--and Benefits--of Zebra Mussels
    • Another Aquatic Exotic Appears: The Ruffe
    Winter, 1995 Issue
    • Zebra Mussels Discovered in Western Pennsylvania
    • Zebra Mussel Monitoring
    • Can Zebra Mussels Survive in Saltwater Habitats?
    • Determining Areas at Risk for Zebra Mussel Infestation
    • Office of Technology Assessment Report on Non-Indigenous Species
    Winter, 1996 Issue
    • Considerations for the Intentional Introduction of an Exotic Species: The Case of Crassostrea gigas
    • Ballast Water Management for Exotic Species Control
    • The Continuing Threat of Aquatic Nuisance Species: A Closer Look at the Great Lakes Invasion
  • Zebra Mussel: A Threat on the Move--1993-94 Report from the Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant Network

    • What Areas Are at Risk for a Zebra Mussel Invasion?
    • Preparing the Mid-Atlantic for an Aquatic Invader
    • Research Projects Take Aim at Zebra Mussel
    • What Other Invaders Threaten Mid-Atlantic Waters?
    • Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant Publications
    • Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant Contacts
  • Zebra Mussel: Present Threat, Future Danger?--A Report from the Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant Network (1992-1993).

    • Assessing the Mid-Atlantic Threat
    • Research Puts Muscle into Mussel Control
    • The Zebra Mussel: Are We Crying Wolf?
    • Assisting Mid-Atlantic Water Users
    • Network Activities Prep Region for Zebra Mussel
    • Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant Publications
    • Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant Contacts



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