CONTROL, REDUCE & DESTROY THE STRIPES

GOOD DAY FOLKS. Welcome back to my blog, this has surely been a tough week for all E.S.S.T Students at UWI but all in all we made it through :) . Last week we learned about a shell invader, the Zebra Mussel. Now as promised in my last post we are going to know what methods are used to control and reduce these populations that plague our waters. Its sad to say that most scientists believe that the zebra mussels can't be controlled or eradicated so easily, many methods have been used to control these invaders and get rid of infestations. One of these methods being a chlorine treatment. this had a negative effect on the environment itself. if not applied with care the and accuracy it will harm the direct environment itself which they are trying to save. The chlorine is an effective way in which to rid of the invaders but with large amounts of zebra mussels dying and piling up the clean up process is a painful one. 

Chlorine treatment of zebra mussels 

   Another effective and environmentally safe method of removal is by use of high pressure washers. but this method is very expensive and time consuming also the mussels could be back within a year's time because of young and the rate at which the spawn because the pressure washers only removes them and not kills them. 

Power washing of zebra mussels 

   But when push comes to shove one of the best ways in which to deal with these invaders is to learn how to adapt and live with them. this method is less time consuming and less strenuous this is the introduction of new infrastructure, like pipes in order to accommodate mussels. the Europeans developed this method since zebra mussels have been with them for many years. Instead one set of pipes designers build two sets this is for in the event of one clogging the other can be used while one is locked off for cleaning. 

    A few other notable mentions of methods that are being investigated are; thermal changes, ultraviolet light and electrical current filters.This makes life simpler as these are living organisms on earth which we are yet to see the benefit of but maybe they hold the key to our future survival. Well that's all for this week folks please stay tuned in as we venture into the cold waters to find more invasive species in the Marine.