ABSTRACT
The introduction of dreissenid mussels (zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and quagga mussel Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) into the Laurentian Great Lakes was a substantial event in the 100-year-old history of the International Joint Commission (IJC). These mussels caused the IJC to expand its scope of efforts beyond persistent toxic substances to address the complex biological, physical, and chemical changes that were occurring. Since its inception, the IJC maintained a strong focus on water quality issues caused by industrial waste, persistent toxic substances, and eutrophication. Therefore, the IJC did not immediately consider dreissenid mussels and other aquatic invasive species as a high priority because of uncertainty about the extent to which invasive species could impact Great Lakes ecosystems. As early as 1912, an IJC study identied how ballast water could serve as a pathway for dispersing biological as well as chemical pollution. A decade before zebra mussels were discovered in the Great Lakes, the IJC clearly described the harm that the transfer of aquatic invasive species between drainage basins
could inict on native ecosystems. However, for many years, there was no clear consensus among scientists, or political will within governments, to institute mandatory regulations to prevent the inux of aquatic invasive species. Prior to the introduction of dreissenid mussels, the invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) caused alarm but were addressed on a species-specic basis. Ultimately, it was the severe consequences of the dreissenid mussel invasion that tipped the scales and caused IJC to more aggressively pursue the problem of aquatic invasive species and integrate an ecosystem approach in all aspects of boundary-waters treaty activities. The IJC became a consistent advocate for action. In addition to calling for binational action to establish consistent and biologically effective regulations and to address pathways of introduction, the IJC drew attention to chronic problems possibly linked to dreissenids, such as altered nutrient cycling and algae blooms within the nearshore areas of the Great Lakes. Over the past 20 years, the IJC has partnered with other organizations to facilitate binational exchange of knowledge about the state of science and technology and to provide a collaborative binational
Mark J. Burrows*
CONTENTS
Abstract .................................................................................................................................................................................187 Background ...........................................................................................................................................................................188 Ecosystem or Ecotoxicology Approach? ............................................................................................................................. 190 Calls to Action ..................................................................................................................................................................... 190 Catalyst for Change ...............................................................................................................................................................191 Increased Awareness and Action ..........................................................................................................................................191 Regulatory Discord ...............................................................................................................................................................192 Preventing the “Next Zebra Mussel” Invasion ......................................................................................................................193 Rapid Response .....................................................................................................................................................................194 References .............................................................................................................................................................................194
