How does the increased water clarity caused by zebra mussels fundamentally change habitat structure near shorelines?

Deeper sunlight penetration allows submerged aquatic vegetation to grow in areas previously too dark

A major secondary effect of the zebra mussel clearing the water column is the alteration of light dynamics within the aquatic environment. Historically, sunlight penetration was limited by the suspended particles in the pelagic zone, restricting the growth of rooted plants to near-shore, shallow areas. When the mussels effectively remove these particles, sunlight can penetrate much deeper into the water column. This increased light availability then permits submerged aquatic vegetation to establish and thrive in deeper sections of the lake or river, leading to a fundamental restructuring of the physical habitat, particularly near the shoreline areas.