Abstract: Mussels and related bottom dwelling creatures may be eliminated from an underwater bed by applying to the zone of at least the bottom 2 feet of water above the bed water-soluble sulfite salt such as sodium metabisulfite to substantially deplete dissolved oxygen in the zone. Thereafter, hydrogen sulfide may be directly added to the zone, being stabilized by the absence of oxygen therein the enhance the mussel kill. Thereafter, as fresh water is added to the zone, the hydrogen sulfide and residual sulfites are oxidized to relatively harmless sulfates.