Quagga mussel invasion in European waterways

The spread of the invasive Quagga mussel is causing ecological and logistical challenges across various European waterways. In the Königssee region, Berchtesgaden National Park proposed a ban on air mattresses and stand-up paddleboards to prevent further spread. However, the Berchtesgadener Land District Office rejected a lake-wide ban, citing a lack of legal framework and concerns regarding proportionality under constitutional and water law. Authorities instead recommended following existing ‘Klar-Regeln’ (Clear Rules) for cleaning equipment.

In the Rhine River and Lake Constance, the invasion has led to massive accumulations of mussel shells, estimated at volumes up to 150,000 bathtubs, which have interfered with passenger ship navigation. Efforts are underway to find industrial uses for these shells, such as lime substitutes in cement production or fertilizer. Additionally, researchers have observed die-offs of the species in parts of Lake Constance, potentially caused by high levels of toxic hydrogen sulfide preventing oxygen from reaching the mussels at certain depths during warm months.