The shell production of the new invader, D. Different sedimentation rates obtained from the literature were used to model the filling of Lake Balaton. bugensis colonizes the entire lake bottom (a probable future model). bugensis occupies the hard surfaces of the coastline (the current dominant situation) (4) if D. bugensis had not been introduced to the lake (only D. We created four scenarios: (1) if no dreissenids are present (applying basic sedimentation rate) (2) if D. bugensis, using high resolution aerial photographs and analyzing seismic sections. Therefore, we made calculations based on recent population abundance datasets (2000–2018), estimated the whole habitable, hard surface coastline and the muddy bottom of the pelagic area which is also gradually becoming inhabited by D. Lake Balaton, a large calcareous, shallow lake in Central Europe invaded by dreissenids ( Dreissena polymorpha, Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), provides an ideal testing ground for this scenario. The question whether the shell production significantly reduces the lifespan of the lake by increasing sedimentation rate is particularly interesting in those shallow lakes where the calcium supply is sufficient to maintain the high mussel biomass production permanently, and where the alkaline water does not favor shell dissolution.

Although the ecosystem transforming impact of the invasive dreissenid mussels has been widely reported in short-to-mid time scale studies, little is known about the contribution of the spent shells to sediments accumulating on the lake bottom.

Dredging mussels from great lakes