410 The UMAP Journal 22. 4(2001) The molluscicides form a film on zebra mussels that remain in the system, causing lesions on the gill and ultimately killing the organ- ism for this reason molluscicides are also lethal to other mussels Application of these chemicals needs to be repeated on a daily basi to sustain the film until all zebra mussels are killed Future species-specific treatments. Although target-specific chemicals are not currently available, research is developing methods for targeting inva sive species and interfering specifically with their reproduction cycle through biochemical compounds like serotonin. These targeted treat- ments would be highly advantageous in terminating zebra mussel prop- agation without affecting other aquatic organisms or damaging the en- vironment Response to Community Leaders For such small critters, zebra mussels can range from being a mild nuisance to a large environmental and economic cost. The introduction of these species into our lakes and rivers has created situations where communities are forced to control or eradicate zebra mussel populations. The most important question is how to do this in the most environmentally and economically sound manner. In order to develop a solution for this irritating infestation problem, we must first assess how extensive the problem is. We must identify how the zebra mussels were or are being introduced to the lake, if the lake provides a supportive environment for zebra mussels, and if there other aquatic organisms or terrestrial organisms (including humans! that depend on the lake or use it as a food source. Isolating the source of zebra mussel introduction to the lake is important so that the community can prevent reintroduction of the mussel or other non- native species that are a threat to indigenous aquaticorganisms. This preventive measure will contribute to making the reactive strategies for controlling the zebra mussel invasion more successful and therefore more cost effective There are two types of reactive control strategies that can be implemented introduction of a natural predator to the lake system or o the use of mechanical or chemical methods to control or eradicate the zebra mussel population ntroducing a natural zebra mussel predator, such as the round goby fish, to the lake system can be a cost-effective and simple solution to the infestation problem. However, if the lake sustains other aquatic organisms or is used by commercial industries(such as fishing), the costs associated with introducing the goby may be much higher. The goby is an aggressive territorial fish that410 The UMAP Journal 22.4 (2001) • The molluscicides form a film on zebra mussels that remain in the system, causing lesions on the gill and ultimately killing the organ￾ism. For this reason molluscicides are also lethal to other mussels. Application of these chemicals needs to be repeated on a daily basis to sustain the film until all zebra mussels are killed. Future species-specific treatments. Although target-specific chemicals are not currently available, research is developing methods for targeting inva￾sive species and interfering specifically with their reproduction cycle through biochemical compounds like serotonin. These targeted treat￾ments would be highly advantageous in terminating zebra mussel prop￾agation without affecting other aquatic organisms or damaging the en￾vironment. Response to Community Leaders For such small critters, zebra mussels can range from being a mild nuisance to a large environmental and economic cost. The introduction of these species into our lakes and rivers has created situations where communities are forced to control or eradicate zebra mussel populations. The most important question is how to do this in the most environmentally and economically sound manner. In order to develop a solution for this irritating infestation problem, we must first assess how extensive the problem is. We must identify • how the zebra mussels were or are being introduced to the lake, • if the lake provides a supportive environment for zebra mussels, and • if there other aquatic organisms or terrestrial organisms (including humans!) that depend on the lake or use it as a food source. Isolating the source of zebra mussel introduction to the lake is important so that the community can prevent reintroduction of the mussel or other non￾native species that are a threat to indigenous aquatic organisms. This preventive measure will contribute to making the reactive strategies for controlling the zebra mussel invasion more successful and therefore more cost effective. There are two types of reactive control strategies that can be implemented: • introduction of a natural predator to the lake system or • the use of mechanical or chemical methods to control or eradicate the zebra mussel population. Introducing a natural zebra mussel predator, such as the round goby fish, to the lake system can be a cost-effective and simple solution to the infestation problem. However, if the lake sustains other aquatic organisms or is used by commercial industries (such as fishing), the costs associated with introducing the goby may be much higher. The goby is an aggressive territorial fish that