Zebra mussels spread across all Great Lakes within a decade of arriving in 1988

Zebra mussels arrived in North America in 1988 via ship ballast water and spread across all five Great Lakes within 10 years.

Officials confirmed in June 2026 that Lake Meredith in Texas has an established, reproducing zebra mussel population, making it the state's 35th fully infested lake.

Zebra mussels cling to hard surfaces, multiply rapidly, and damage ecosystems, native species, and infrastructure, with sharp shells littering shorelines.

The mussels spread efficiently by traveling on boats, trailers, and equipment, enabling rapid invasion across water bodies.