Waging War Against the Zebra Mussel 407 Methods for Reducing Zebra Mussel Populations It is estimated that $3 billion will be spent in the next decade combating th zebra mussel infestation [Magee et al. 1996]. Besides damaging infrastructure (pipes, tubing, gratings), the zebra mussel is able to out-compete native species for space and food and can destroy commercial and recreational fish stocks Since the zebra mussel body fat stores toxic chemicals, the introduction of these mussels into the food-chain could lead to human consumption of these harmful chemicals. There are three available options for dealing with zebra mussel infestation (1)Introduce a natural predator(the round goby (2& 3)Eradicate and/or control the zebra population by utilizing preventative and reactive control strategies Introducing a natural predator, such as the round goby, may be more prob lematic than the zebra mussel infestation. Although the round goby shows selectivity in consuming zebra mussels over native clams, the goby will non- selectively consume a variety of bait, fishes, and invertebrates IGhedotti et al. 1995]. In addition, the goby is extremely territorial and can aggressively occupy prime breeding areas and successfully compete for food against na tive species. Fortunately, there are more environmentally sound methods of controlling zebra mussel infestations Preventive and reactive Strategies Preventive control methods include implementing restrictive legislation and periodic monitoring of waterways to minimize introduction of zebra mus sels and to improve early detection, thereby facilitating the development of appropriate strategies to eradicate or control the mussel population. Reactive strategies are a more aggressive mode of action in response to a potential or ongoing invasion and should be dependent on the level of infestation Preventive Control Strategies: Legislation and monitoring Legislation is a useful way to coordinate research with monitoring facil ities, commercial industries, and the public. The United States Nonindige nous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention Control Act of 1990(PL 101-646)[ Florida Caribbean Science Center 2001] recommends that recreational vessels exchange ballast water before entering new waters, since this is the primary mode of saltatory non-native species introduction [Boleman et al. 1997]. In addition, the U.S. Code [Legal Information Institute 2001] suggests implementing alter native ballast water management, including modifying the ballast tank andWaging War Against the Zebra Mussel 407 Methods for Reducing Zebra Mussel Populations It is estimated that $3 billion will be spent in the next decade combating the zebra mussel infestation [Magee et al. 1996]. Besides damaging infrastructure (pipes, tubing, gratings), the zebra mussel is able to out-compete native species for space and food and can destroy commercial and recreational fish stocks. Since the zebra mussel body fat stores toxic chemicals, the introduction of these mussels into the food-chain could lead to human consumption of these harmful chemicals. There are three available options for dealing with zebra mussel infestation: (1) Introduce a natural predator (the round goby). (2 & 3) Eradicate and/or control the zebra population by utilizing preventative and reactive control strategies. Introducing a natural predator, such as the round goby, may be more prob￾lematic than the zebra mussel infestation. Although the round goby shows selectivity in consuming zebra mussels over native clams, the goby will non￾selectively consume a variety of bait, fishes, and invertebrates [Ghedotti et al. 1995]. In addition, the goby is extremely territorial and can aggressively occupy prime breeding areas and successfully compete for food against na￾tive species. Fortunately, there are more environmentally sound methods of controlling zebra mussel infestations. Preventive and Reactive Strategies Preventive control methods include implementing restrictive legislation and periodic monitoring of waterways to minimize introduction of zebra mus￾sels and to improve early detection, thereby facilitating the development of appropriate strategies to eradicate or control the mussel population. Reactive strategies are a more aggressive mode of action in response to a potential or ongoing invasion and should be dependent on the level of infestation. Preventive Control Strategies: Legislation and Monitoring Legislation is a useful way to coordinate research with monitoring facil￾ities, commercial industries, and the public. The United States Nonindige￾nous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention Control Act of 1990 (P.L. 101–646) [Florida Caribbean Science Center 2001] recommends that recreational vessels exchange ballast water before entering new waters, since this is the primary mode of saltatory non-native species introduction [Boleman et al. 1997]. In addition, the U.S. Code [Legal Information Institute 2001] suggests implementing alter￾native ballast water management, including modifying the ballast tank and