Since January, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) have inspected more than 5,600 vessels. Of those thousands of vessels, 59 have been flagged for carrying invasive species,

Researchers found adult walleye in lakes infested with zebra mussels had 72 percent higher mercury concentrations than in lakes without the invaders. Smaller walleye also were more likely to exceed mercury thresholds meant to protect human health.

A study found that invasive zebra mussels significantly alter aquatic ecosystems, and are associated with elevated mercury concentrations in fish. Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, poses a serious threat to both aquatic life and human health.

Zebra mussels are significantly altering the ecosystems of Minnesota lakes, according to a study that ties the invasive species to higher mercury levels in fish.