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Quagga Mussel Confirmed in Lake Starnberg as Authorities Move to Contain Early Infestation

County officials will draw on Bodensee and Chiemsee lessons to prevent the species from being carried to other lakes.

Overview

  • Genetic analyses by Bavaria’s environment agency (LfU) detected the invasive Quagga mussel in Lake Starnberg for the first time.
  • Local conservation authorities say the occurrence appears to be at an early stage of spread.
  • An expert group is being convened to design containment steps and to coordinate with lake users before announcing specific measures.
  • The species can overgrow hulls and buoys, clog water and sewage pipes, damage fishing gear, affect boat cooling systems, and displace native fauna.
  • No confirmed detections have been reported in other Starnberg district lakes such as Ammersee, Wörthsee, or Pilsensee.