Zebra Mussel

The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is an invasive species with significant ecological, economic, and operational impacts on water bodies, hydraulic infrastructures, water intake systems, reservoirs, and recreational activities.

BIOTA supports public and private entities in the monitoring, prevention, control, and management of zebra mussel invasion risk, combining traditional detection methods with molecular tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA) to provide a faster, more robust, and effective response.

Monitoring, Control and Management Services

Action and Prevention Plans

We develop tailored plans for each territory, water body, or infrastructure, including:

• Invasion risk assessment;
• Proposals for the implementation of monitoring programmes;
• Definition of procedures in case of detection;
• Eradication and population control strategies;
• Awareness and outreach actions;
• Support for the implementation of disinfection points;
• Proposals for usage restrictions, where applicable. 

Conventional Monitoring

Conventional monitoring enables the assessment of the presence of adult mussels and larvae using complementary methodologies:

• Underwater surveys of adult mussels;
• Deployment and monitoring of suspended ropes;
• Sampling and analysis of larvae using cross-polarised light microscopy.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) Monitoring

Environmental DNA analysis allows the detection of the species from water samples and is particularly useful for early detection and preventive monitoring.

The service includes:

• Filtration of large volumes of water using peristaltic pumps;
• qPCR analysis using species-specific primers for Dreissena polymorpha;
• Regular laboratory quality control procedures to ensure reliable interpretation of results. 

Advisory on Eradication and Control Measures

BIOTA supports the implementation of eradication and control measures, from initial assessment to the definition of corrective actions and ongoing technical support, aiming to maximise the effectiveness of the applied measures.

Who can benefit from these services?

These services are particularly relevant for:

• Water authorities and reservoir managers
• Municipalities and public administrations
• Water supply and wastewater management companies
• Hydropower and hydraulic infrastructure operators
• Environmental consultancy and impact assessment projects
• Operators of recreational, fishing, and boating activities
• Protected areas and conservation organisations. 

Team and Expertise

BIOTA has a multidisciplinary team specialised in aquatic systems ecology and invasive species management, coordinated by Joaquim Reis, BIOTA’s R&D Department Coordinator, PhD in Conservation Biology and specialist in aquatic systems ecology.

He coordinated the Working Group for the Zebra Mussel Control Action Plan in Portugal and the local action plan for the species in the EFMA, and has over 10 years of experience in zebra mussel monitoring and early detection. He also coordinated the Atlas of Freshwater Bivalves of Mainland Portugal, served as Scientific Coordinator of the Freshwater Mussel Breeding Centre in Boticas, and is a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Specialist Group in Spain.