Chris Proffitt/Eyewitness News
Hamilton County - A discovery in Geist Reservoir is causing major concern.
Dan Wise, a fisherman at Geist, spotted a small invasive intruder that has Department of Natural Resources officials worried.
"I got ready to throw it back and saw this zebra mussel attached to it," Wise said. He found the mussel attached to another invasive snail found at Geist.
The zebra mussel is a bottom feeder that multiples quickly that has caused problems from northern Indiana to the Great Lakes. The mussels can affect fish populations.
DNR aquatic experts are concerned because it's the first time the mussel has been found in central Indiana, and the species can be devastating where it successfully colonizes.
"When their populations are high enough, it takes out the bottom of the food chain and that has an impact on the entire rest of the aquatic community. So a big concern that there could be ultimately some effects on the fishery," said Doug Keller, DNR.
They also attach themselves to boats and just about any other hard surface in the water, including intake pipes, which they can clog. That's a concern, since Indianapolis draws drinking water from Geist.
The discovery of the mussel comes after problems with blue-green algae blooms found last summer at Geist traced to man-made runoff.
"The mussels are just one more element in the big picture here. We've got to manage things better with phosphates and detergent and fertilizer," said Scott Rodgers, Geist Watershed Alliance.
Any attempt to kill the mussels would also threaten desirable species, so for now, DNR is recommending a management approach. Boaters are encouraged to inspect their boats and pressure wash them if they see any mussels attached to the hull.
DNR says if one was found, there are likely thousands more in the water. There's also a concern that they've spread to Morse and other area reservoirs like Eagle Creek.
