Selective grazing by adults and larvae of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha): application of flow cytometry to natural seston

1. Selective grazing of adults and larvae of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) on phytoplankton and detritus from both laboratory cultures and natural seston was quantified using flow cytometry. 2. Mean clearance rate of adult zebra mussels was higher on a mixture of the green alga Scenedesmus and the cyanobacterium Microcystis than when Scenedesmus was offered as single food, suggesting selective feeding by the mussels. 3. Feeding on lake seston both adults and larvae showed a higher clearance rate on phytoplankton than on detritus particles, suggesting that zebra mussels select for phytoplankton. Furthermore, it was noted that adults preferred seston particles in the 0-1 and 30-100 m size ranges. 4. In our study, zebra mussels did not discriminate against cyanobacteria, and our results indicate that they may even ingest them preferentially

Recommendations on methods for the detection and control of biological pollution in marine coastal waters

► We summarize the results of an international workshop on marine biopollution. ► We recommend science-based information support for bioinvasion management. ► We outline types of bioinvasion monitoring and consider topical research needs. ► We emphasize the role of taxonomy training and public involvement. ► Biopollution should be treated in the same way as any other type of pollution