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Initial Colonization Of The Zebra Mussel (Dreissena Polymorpha) In Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron: Population Recruitment, Density, And Size Structure, Thomas F. Nalepa, James A. Wojcik, David L. Fanslow, Gregory A. Lang

United States Department of Commerce: Staff Publications

The various life stages of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) were examined during the initial years (1991-93) of the mussel's invasion into Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Yearly trends in densities of larvae, newly-settled juveniles, and adults were poorly related. Larval densities were lowest in 1991 and increased each year, but the number of settled juveniles was highest in 1991. Adults increased between 1991 and 1992 and then declined in 1993. Mean adult densities at sites with hard substrates were 11,700,33,200, and 4,1001m2 in each of the 3 years, respectively. Year-to-year variation at individual sites was high and likely …