CRWC Launches Mussel Survey

Native mussels contribute significantly to water quality because they filter out contaminants and sediments, yet they are rarely studied. The Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) is setting out to change that by launching year one of a three-year program to document mussels throughout the watershed.

Historically, Michigan has been home to 43 species of mussels and 72% of those have been designated as threatened, endangered or special concern by the State. Historical assessments from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) reported 26 species in the Clinton River watershed in 1978 and 14 species in 2004.

Mussels have soft bodies encased in two shells, making them look like rocks in a riverbed. This is one reason they are a difficult study subject, and searching for them is an intensive, difficult process.

During year one of the survey, CRWC staff will focus on research and preparation. This will include scoping out sites where mussels may be located, understanding which mussel species are in the watershed, examining host fish distribution, and analyzing data. In years two and three, the staff will complete the survey work.

Host fish are essential to mussel propagation. When mussel larvae are expelled from their mother’s body, they find a new home in the gills of a host fish. After a few weeks, the larvae develop into juvenile mussels and detach from the fish. This is why a population of host fish may indicate the presence of mussels.

Several community partners and volunteers have committed to supporting CRWC’s mussel work.

CRWC is still applying for funding to complete years two and three of the project. Anyone interested in supporting this work can contact me at mikela@crwc.org.