Quagga Mussels Disrupt Ecosystem and Infrastructure in Lake Geneva

Quagga mussels have invaded Lake Geneva, severely impacting local ecosystems and infrastructure. First detected in Switzerland in 2014, they now dominate the lake's biomass, with an average density of 4,000 mussels per square meter.

Their infiltration has clogged cooling systems at the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL), affecting air conditioning and critical research facilities like the Tokamak nuclear fusion reactor. A closed-loop cooling system is set to be constructed by 2027 to mitigate further damage.

The mussels threaten drinking water supplies and have been linked to ecological shifts, including the collapse of local fish populations and toxic algal blooms. This week, quagga mussels were also reported in Northern Ireland, prompting calls for increased monitoring. Their rapid reproduction and adaptability have made them one of the most invasive species globally, with significant implications for biodiversity and local fisheries.