Watershed Connections: How Zebra Mussel Populations Affect Mercury Accumulation in Fish
Please join us to learn how the University of Minnesota’s Fisheries Systems Ecology Lab is studying the ways zebra mussel invasions influence mercury buildup in aquatic food webs. The lab’s recent work brings together several related projects that explore how these invasive mussels can reshape lake ecosystems by altering nutrient cycling, changing food web structure, and influencing how contaminants such as mercury move through the environment. By examining patterns across different lakes and conditions, the research aims to better understand when, where, and why zebra mussels alter mercury dynamics. This work helps reveal how ecological changes caused by invasive species can affect fish contamination levels, with important implications for fisheries management, ecosystem health, and fish consumption by people and wildlife.
This FREE workshop will be held at the Forest Lake Senior Community Center (767 4th St SW, Forest Lake, MN 55025) starting at 6:00 p.m. The workshop includes an hour presentation, a box supper, and time for open discussion after the presentation.
Please RSVP before Friday, April 24th for this workshop, so we have an accurate headcount for food and seating. To register, please contact the CLFLWD at 651-395-5850 or by email.