Explosion In Invasive Tiger, Zebra Mussels In Thames Linked To Global Warming - BBC

[hatrack]

An "explosion" of alien mussels in the Thames has been caused by global warming, a scientist has said.
The population boom of zebra mussels was discovered during a study of a drained portion of the riverbed in south-west London.

The Russian species was first spotted in the Thames in 1824, but scientists believe the population growth has been caused by environmental changes. They can damage storm drains, pipes and boats by clinging together in reefs.

In November 2007, a study of 37 plots between Richmond Lock and Teddington Lock, carried out by researchers from the Marine Conservation Society, found up to 832 tiger mussels in a square metre. A previous count of the species by a team from the University of Cambridge found 25 zebra mussels "in a five-minute walk".

Jean-Luc Solandt, from the Marine Conservation Society, said: "We are probably seeing the start of a population explosion. "It depends on whether the conditions are right for them to reproduce and in the last 20 years those having been changing."

EDIT

http://www.canada.com/topics/technology/science/story.html?id=41aeca3c-30a6-4847-88cd-8b1bc8a29d9c

[Warren Stupidity]

1. I hate it when Mussels Mariniere explodes, nt.

[Buzz Clik]

2. Fascinating.

When the Zebra mussels first arrived in the Great Lakes a decade or two ago, they exploded immediately.

I'm surprised to hear that they've just exploded in the Thames. Ecological balances and all that...

[GliderGuider]

3. Dengue fever, zebra mussels...

I heard Tim Flannery say in a talk that one of the first noticeable effects of global warming would be a rise in invasive species.

[madrchsod]

4. big problem on the great lakes

zebra mussels brought in by ships dumping ballast....

[madrchsod]

5. these guys in southern/central illinois

and geese and ducks wintering over in northern illinois since the late 60`s