Date of Award
Spring 5-4-2024
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Political Science
First Advisor
Jacob Kerby
Second Advisor
Eric Jepsen
Third Advisor
David Carr
Keywords
dreissenid mussel, zebra mussel, South Dakota, invasive species, economic impact
Subject Categories
Environmental Studies
Abstract
Since 2014, dreissenid mussels have been established in South Dakota, spreading throughout the state. These invasive mussels can be vastly detrimental to an environment and completely disrupt the balance of natural systems they invade. In South Dakota, a state that relies heavily on land and resource use for some of the state’s major economic drivers, such as agriculture, hydropower, and tourism, the issue could be incredibly harmful if left uncontrolled. The mussel’s impacts range from increasing rash-causing bacteria in lakes and rivers to damaging critical infrastructure within dams. To understand the importance of the issue further, this paper explores the potential impact the infestation of the mussel may have to different stakeholders by using developed surcharges based on current observed costs and the use of USGS data. After examining the potential costs and impacts to industries around the state, this paper explores the current spread of dreissenid mussels in South Dakota, current policies, and government responses around invasive mussel mitigation throughout the region.
Recommended Citation
Gross, Allison P., "Understanding the Importance of Dreissenid Mussel Mitigation in South Dakota" (2024). Honors Thesis. 328.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/328