In september of 2023, invasive zebra mussels, dreissena polymorpha, were detected for the first time innorth carolina using visual dive and edna surveys

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $225,000 Project Grant under the Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species (CFDA 15.608) program to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The grant funding will be used to contract experts to survey a private quarry in North Carolina where invasive zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were recently detected, apply eradication treatments, and conduct post-treatment monitoring. This aims to prevent the further spread of zebra mussels into nearby Lake Norman and the greater Catawba River Basin, which would pose significant ecological and economic risks. As the infestation is limited to an isolated water body, the project seeks to fully eradicate the invasive species from North Carolina. The grant period is from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026.

Detection occurred within a private quarry located approximately 300 feet from lake norman in the catawba river basin. Surveys of related quarries and lake norman found no additional detections. Zebra mussels are known to cause significant ecological and economic damage, including disruption of the food chain, alteration of water chemistry, smothering of native mussel species, and biofouling of water supply pipes for power plants. Eradication from the quarry is needed to prevent further transference to additional water bodies, especially to nearby lake norman, which contains an aquatic state-listed mussel. Infestation of lake norman would allow for eventual spread of zebra mussels throughout the catawba river basin in north carolina and south carolina. Due to the high usage of the reservoir, spread through the southeast could occur via transference of mussels or veligers on boats, boots, fishing gear, etc. Additionally, duke energy power stations and municipal water intakes are located on this reservoir, creating an opportunity for significant economic damage should zebra mussels successfully colonize. The north carolina wildlife resources commission seeks funding in the amount of $225,000 to contract individuals and companies with the necessary expertise to survey the quarry, apply treatment for eradication, and conduct necessary postmonitoring to ensure that treatments have been effective. As the infestation is limited to an isolated water body, we feel confident that treatment will eliminate this invasive species from north carolina.