Events

Zebra mussels are invasive species that can reshape entire lake ecosystems, with surprising and far-reaching effects. Researchers have discovered that zebra mussels—well-known for clogging pipes and outcompeting native species—may also be quietly increasing mercury levels in popular game fish like walleye and yellow perch. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that threatens both aquatic life and human health. In lakes invaded by zebra mussels, fish were up to 72% higher in mercury—reaching risky levels at smaller sizes compared to lakes without zebra mussels.

In this webinar, University of Minnesota fisheries ecologist Dr. Gretchen Hansen will explain how zebra mussels are altering where fish feed, how mercury moves through the food web, and what that means for anglers and communities across Minnesota. She’ll also share what’s happening now—a new, collaborative effort with state and tribal agencies to build predictive models and create mercury risk maps to help monitor, manage, and potentially mitigate these emerging threats.

Register HERE.