Zebra mussel found inside a ball of moss. USGS photo.
Vermont Business Magazine Scientists on the Vermont Natural Resources Agency team were warned last week that an aquarium plant sold in Vermont and across the country may contain an invasive species of aquatic animal, the zebra mussel. (Dreissena polymorpha). The aquarium plant commonly known as moss balls, can be sold under names like “Beta Buddy Marimo Balls”, “Mini Marimo Moss Balls” and “Marimo Moss Ball Plant” and were available for purchase at major department stores or through online sales. Although the plant is benign, the plants can harbor zebra mussels inside the plant or inside the packaging.
The zebra mussel is an aquatic invasive species of freshwater mollusk that can reproduce quickly and cause damage to the ecological balance within a water system. They can also cause an economic burden, clogging pipes and other underwater infrastructure. As filters, they prolifically consume microscopic aquatic life, which has a potential impact on native mollusk species.
The zebra mussel reached the Great Lakes in the 1980s through ballast water that was discharged by large ships from Europe. Adult specimens of the zebra mussel were first discovered in Vermont, on Lake Champlain, in 1993. They were also discovered on Lake Bomoseen, Lake Dunmore and the Quebec portion of Lake Memphremagog.
Consumers who have recently purchased or purchased these items are encouraged to inspect the product or aquarium for the presence of zebra mussels. If zebra mussels are discovered, it is recommended to remove, freeze or boil the plants and mussels before discarding them. If mussels were found, they may have reproduced and the aquarium must be decontaminated by pouring the aquarium water out and away from a body of water, and disinfecting the tank and materials with water diluted in a bleach solution.
This discovery of zebra mussels across the county caused widespread national quarantine on the product and inspection checks by state agencies to ensure that quarantine measures are taken. Fortunately, the small number of stores selling these products in Vermont have agreed to remove the products from the shelves and only one contaminated sample has been found and removed.
The discovery of a contaminated aquarium product available for sale in Vermont highlights the critical importance for all aquarium enthusiasts to be informed about and prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. The aquarium trade is one of the main vectors for the introduction of invasive aquatic species caused by illegal dumping of aquariums in water bodies, or discharge of aquarium water into drains, which can eventually lead to water bodies.
To alert ANR about a contaminated product, contact Kimberly Jensen, ANR Environmental Scientist, (802) 490-6120 or [email protected].
For more information, visit https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/aquatic-invasives and the USFWS zebra mussel disposal page.
Quarantine event on moss balls contaminated with zebra mussels
On March 1, 2021, scientists from the US Geological Survey (USGS) were alerted that zebra mussels were found trapped and inside balls of moss sold as aquarium plants. The zebra mussel is an invasive species that can devastate local ecosystems and infrastructure. Zebra mussels are currently invaders in several states and we need public help to ensure that this dangerous invasive species does not spread further.
What is an aquarium moss ball?
Balls of aquarium moss are not moss, but a green filamentous seaweed (Aegagropila linnaei) it looks like moss. They are soft and spongy when filled with water in aquariums and provide habitat for fish, shrimp and other species. Moss balls are healthy and easy to maintain and are an active commodity in the aquarium trade. Moss balls can be purchased in all states through national retail chains, small independent retailers and online markets.
The species is found mainly in areas of northern Europe and in several places in Japan. It has been found in North America, but it is rare, as well as in Australia. We found no reports that this species of moss ball shows a history of invasion.
Where do contaminated moss balls come from? Zebra mussels are native to Eastern Europe in the Black, Caspian and Azov seas. It is not known whether contamination is occurring in supply, distribution or retail chains. Additional assessments will be needed to understand the origins and magnitude of the problem.
What are zebra mussels and why are they a problem?
The zebra mussel is one of the most devastating invasive species in North America. When they establish themselves in an environment, they alter the food webs and change the chemistry of the water, harming fish, plants and other forms of native aquatic life. They block the ducts used to filter the water, render the beaches useless and damage the boats. These feed filters outperform other native species in infested rivers and lakes. The residues they produce accumulate and degrade the environment, using oxygen, making water acidic and producing toxic by-products.>
Where were zebra mussels found in moss balls?
On March 4, 2021, zebra mussels found in moss balls were found in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Washington.
What needs to be done immediately to control the invasive risks of moss balls contaminated with zebra mussels?
Properly dispose of contaminated moss ball products that are already in the United States supply chain, retail stores, online commerce and home aquarist tanks.
Which stores or products have been contaminated?
At the moment, we do not know the full extent of stores or products that contain zebra mussels. If you recently purchased moss balls from any dealer, we recommend that they be destroyed according to our instructions for destroying, disposing and draining.
What should I do if I recently bought a moss ball?
Until we know the extent of the moss ball contamination problem in the United States, we recommend that recently purchased moss balls be destroyed, water decontaminated and tanks cleaned according to the instructions on our website.
Can I quarantine my moss ball for a few months instead of destroying it? The zebra mussel can damage your tank’s filtration system. The larva of the zebra mussel can live in water, in the aquarium substrate, in decorative elements and in filtration systems. Until we know the extent of the moss ball contamination problem in the United States, we recommend that recently purchased moss balls be destroyed, the water decontaminated and your tank cleaned according to the instructions on our website.
I found a zebra mussel in my moss balls, do I need to report it? Additional reports of zebra mussels attached to moss balls should be submitted to the USGS database of non-indigenous aquatic species. https://nas.er.usgs.gov/SightingReport.aspx and reported to your state agency.
After submission, the information provided is sent to specialists on the USGS team for verification. And follow the destruction, disposal and drainage procedures described on our website.
For questions or concerns specific to your state, contact the local state agency that oversees invasive aquatic species. https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/aquatic-invasives
What is the USFWS doing to combat invasive aquatic species? The US Department of Invasive Aquatic Species of the US Fish and Wildlife Service funds and coordinates the activities of aquatic invasive species across the country. Our regional coordinators work closely with partners from the public and private sectors, and our fish and wildlife conservation offices provide research and technical support. The Service also develops regulations to ban the importation and transportation of high-risk species known as harmful wildlife.
Is there a summary or press release available?
The US Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation, destruction, disposal and drainage program guidelines and protocols can be found at the top of this web page.
State press releases, as of March 7, 2021:
• Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2021/03_mar/030321.asp
• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks: https: //fwp.mt.gov/homepage/news/2021/march/0304-invasive-mussels-moss-b …
• Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife: https: //wdfw.wa.gov/news/state-asks-public-inspect-aquarium-moss-and-pre …
• Colorado Parks and Wildlife: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=7717
• Nebraska Games and Parks: http: //magazine.outdoornebraska.gov/2021/03/game-and-parks-urges-public -…
• Idaho State Department of Agriculture: https: //idfg.idaho.gov/press/idaho-discovers-invasive-mussels-aquarium-p …
• Alaska Department of Fisheries and Hunting: https: //www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/EONR/index.cfm? ADFG = region.NR & NRID = 3100 & u …
• North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: – https://www.ncwildlife.org/News-Archives/UPDATE-to-Consumer-Alert-Aquari…’s%20actually%20illegal%20to%20possess% 20zebra% 20mussels% 20in% 20North% 20Carolina.% E2% 80% 9D
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources: – https: //www.live5news.com/2021/03/05/invasive-mussels-found-products-sol …
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: https: //www.tampafp.com/florida-fwc-asks-public-to-help-stop-the-spread -…
• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources: https: //www.cbs19news.com/story/43455293/dwr-issues-alert-about-moss-bal …
Vermont Natural Resources Agency