This is a question we have heard many times. We might answer with, “why WOULDN’T you care about freshwater mussels?” but let me start you with 5 reasons:
1. Mussels are Mother Nature’s water filters.
Freshwater mussels are filter-feeders that can filter up to 15-20 gallons of water per day. They naturally remove bacteria, algae and fine organic particles from the water just by eating and being themselves. By their feeding processes, they can even remove things like suspended inorganic sediment and even sequester chemical pollutants. This is a talent we love to show off when we give tours of our facility.
2. Mussels serve as indicators of healthy streams.
As long-lived filter feeders that are exposed to all of the things we do to our lakes and streams, their presence (or absence) tells us a LOT about how water quality. A diverse mussel population means a healthy stream. A healthy stream means healthy water for all the organisms that depend on it – including us. How are the mussel populations doing in the streams that your city or town gets their water from?
3. If you live in North America, they are our unique natural treasures….and they are disappearing faster than most any other animal group on the planet.
Historically home to about 300 different species, North America is the global hotspot for freshwater mussel biodiversity. Unfortunately, about 10% of those are already extinct with another 60% or more being imperiled to varying degrees. North Carolina, where we live, is home to about 50 species with some of those only being found within our state. To have animals as beautiful and important as these in our collective care is a tremendous gift and tremendous responsibility.
4. They have a unique and absolutely fascinating life cycle.
The larvae of our native freshwater mussels have to attach to a specific host fish where they metamorphose to the next life stage. Click HERE to see various ways a female mussel that can’t really move can get her babies on to a highly mobile fish. We guarantee it will blow your mind!
5. They are a critical part of our aquatic ecosystems.
Not only is the filtration that mussels perform vital for clean water, they are also participating in nutrient cycling, making nutrients available to other invertebrates. They help stabilize substrate, and their shells serve as habitat for certain aquatic insects and cover for small fish. They serve as food to certain fish as well as mammals like muskrats, otters, and raccoons.
Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center at NC State University 