Zebra Mussels' Westward March: A Cautionary Tale for the Great Lakes and Beyond The zebra mussel's rapid spread across the Great Lakes in the late 1980s was a harbinger of things to come – a reminder that even small, seemingly innocuous species can have a profound impact on ecosystems when given the chance.
The invasion accelerated with Lake Meredith in Texas joining the list of fully infested lakes, demonstrating that this invasive force is far from contained.
The zebra mussel's adaptability and reproductive rate are key factors in their success, but human activity – specifically, transporting them from lake to lake on boats, trailers, and equipment – has also played a significant role.