This North America Zebra Mussel Distribution Section was edited for scientific content by:
Danielle M. Crosier and Daniel P. Molloy
Division of Research & Collections
New York State Museum
Field Research Laboratory
Cambridge, New York 12816
Zebra mussels were first discovered in North America in Lake St. Clair in 1988 (Mackie 1989, Griffiths et al. 1991).
Zebra mussels were likely first introduced into Lake St. Clair in the mid-1980s by the release of ballast water from a transoceanic vessel.
Subsequent analyses of the Lake St. Clair zebra mussel population indicated that these bivalves were introduced into Lake St. Clair in the mid-1980s (Mackie 1989, Griffiths et al. 1991). The most likely source of introduction was ballast water from an ocean-crossing commercial vessel. Since their introduction, zebra mussels have spread throughout all the Great Lakes, the Hudson, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas rivers, as well as other streams, lakes and rivers, which altogether cross 21 states and the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The U.S. Geological Survey is using a GIS system for tracking the spread of zebra mussels throughout North America. Periodically they distribute an updated range map. The National Aquatic Species Clearinghouse also compiles comprehensive information on zebra mussels, including distribution maps. For more updated information on zebra mussels in a specific area, contact either of the agencies mentioned above or the local Corps of Engineers office.
U.S. Geological Survey National Aquatic Nuisance Clearinghouse
Florida Caribbean Science Center New York Sea Grant
7920 NW 71st Street Morgan II
Gainesville, FL 32653-3071 State University College
352-378-8181 Brockport, NY 14420
716-395-2638
To view the distribution maps, click on the hyperlinks listed below.