Study: Quagga mussels could thrive in Tahoe
By Jeff DeLong, Reno Gazette-Journal
Quagga mussels could survive and reproduce in Lake Tahoe’s waters, particularly in places where a different aquatic invader is already present and where algae is flourishing in shallow waters, a new study suggests.
Research conducted by scientists from University of Nevada, Reno and the Desert Research Institute confirms earlier work that indicates adult quagga mussels can live in Tahoe’s water and that successful reproduction can occur and juvenile mussels survive to repeat the cycle as adults.
Experts had hoped low calcium levels in the landmark alpine lake might help protect Tahoe from major infestations of the type in Southern Nevada’s Lake Mead and other water bodies around the country. It appears that’s not the case.