When were the first confirmed zebra mussel detections near the Detroit and St. Clair rivers?
Answer
1988 and 1989, respectively
The timeline of establishment in North America is precisely noted by the first verified sightings in the Great Lakes vicinity. The initial confirmed detection near the Detroit River occurred in the year 1988. Shortly thereafter, the species was confirmed to be present near the St. Clair River in 1989. These specific dates mark the fundamental turning point for aquatic ecology in the Great Lakes region, initiating the severe ecological alterations associated with the invasion.
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