Chiemsee monitoring to study invasive Quagga mussel spread

The District of Upper Bavaria, in collaboration with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) and the Chiemsee Fishery Cooperative, has approved a scientific monitoring project to study the spread of the invasive Quagga mussel in Lake Chiemsee. The initiative, supported by funding from the Government of Upper Bavaria, is expected to begin in early 2027.

The monitoring will examine mussel density at various water depths, chlorophyll and oxygen levels, and the potential impact on fish populations, specifically targeting young fish and vendace. The Quagga mussel, originally from the Black Sea region, was first detected in Lake Chiemsee in 2024 and has since been identified in Lake Starnberg and Lake Sims, with genetic traces found in Lake Ammersee.

Experts warn that the mussels can alter the food base for native species by filtering large amounts of plankton. Additionally, the species can clog water pipes and boat engines. Water sports enthusiasts are advised to clean equipment thoroughly and drain residual water when moving between different bodies of water to prevent further spread.