State‐Level Freshwater Mussel Programs: Current Status and a Research Framework to Aid in Mussel Management and Conservation

Abstract

Despite increased focus on their ecology and conservation, freshwater mussels remain one of the most imperiled groups of aquatic organisms. We documented current management actions, resources, and challenges in managing freshwater mussels in the United States through a survey of state natural resource agencies. Approximately 85% of surveyed states (N = 40) actively managed mussel populations. Common challenges to mussel conservation included limited funding, lack of public awareness, and poor understanding of habitat needs and risks. We present a research framework, currently underway in Missouri, to support a regional mussel conservation assessment whereby habitat needs are identified, risks are assessed, and standardized protocols are developed to monitor and detect trends in mussel assemblages and threats. The research framework conforms to the National Strategy for the Conservation of Native Freshwater Mollusks and is adaptable to other states. With full consideration of resource limitations, we explore how this framework can improve the effectiveness of mussel conservation efforts.

Essay: Making the most of recent advances in freshwater mussel propagation and restoration

“…Otherwise, we will be spending more money and achieving smaller benefits than we could by pursuing other activities. These considerations are especially important because most budgets for mussel restoration are very small (Bouska, Rosenberger, McMurray, Lindner, & Key, 2018;Strayer, 2006). Furthermore, at this early stage in the development of the field of mussel restoration, there is a substantial risk that any project, no matter how carefully planned and executed, may fail.…”

Population genetics of freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) in central Massachusetts and implications for conservation

“…Monitoring should be performed in accordance with the European standard for M. margaritifera , published under the auspices of the European Committee for Standardization, which recommends sampling at 3‑ to 6‐year intervals (Boon et al, 2019). However, more frequent surveying should be conducted for sites that are of critical importance or likely to change, whereas less frequent surveys are necessary for sites having large and stable populations with lowered assessed risk (Bouska, Rosenberger, McMurray, Lindner, & Key, 2018). The results of these efforts will help not only to evaluate mussel populations themselves, but also to monitor habitat quality and identify sources of environmental pressure.…”

Spread the word about freshwater mussels’ conservation: Increasing awareness and willingness to support conservation-oriented policies through social media

“…Research on the theoretical basis for protecting freshwater mussels include the identification of key areas for biodiversity conservation, examining propagation and restoration, population genetics, and ecotoxicological studies to document the effects of contaminants on various life stages and derive more stringent water quality criteria and enhanced habitat management (Geist, 2010; Hartmann et al, 2016; Prosser et al, 2017; Strayer et al, 2019; Walters et al, 2019). However, as summarized by Bouska et al (2018), there are also common challenges in mussel conservation, including lack of public awareness, poor political environment to regulate threats, and hostility toward the management of threatened and endangered species.…”