Title: Freshwater Mussels Program: A Deep Dive into Earth’s Natural Filtration System

What are freshwater mussels?

• Definition: Freshwater mussels are bivalve mollusks with soft, unsegmented bodies and hard, hinged shells.

• Habitat: Found in river and stream bottoms, buried in sediment, using a muscular foot to anchor themselves.

• Mobility: Unlike saltwater mussels, freshwater mussels can move but only short distances.

• Image: Diagram of a freshwater mussel with labeled parts

Life Cycle of Freshwater Mussels

• Stage 1: Eggs grow into glochidia in the mother’s gills.

• Stage 2: Glochidia attach to fish gills, where they grow into juvenile mussels.

• Stage 3: Juveniles drop off and settle in a new location.

• Fun Fact: Freshwater mussels can live over 100 years!

Why Are Freshwater Mussels Important?

• Water Quality Improvement: Filter 10-18 gallons of water daily.

• Habitat Creation: Mussel beds provide homes for algae, insects, and small fish.

• Food Source: Prey for otters, raccoons, and herons.

Current Conditions in the Anacostia River

• Species Present: Eight species, including the alewife floater and eastern pondmussel.

• Challenges: Decline due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and pollution.

• Restoration Efforts: Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) is restoring populations of alewife floater and eastern pondmussel.

Threats to Freshwater Mussels

• Human Activities: Overharvesting, pollution, and habitat destruction.

• Natural Challenges: Invasive species and changes to river hydrology.

AWS Restoration Initiatives

• Goal: Increase populations of alewife floater and eastern pondmussel.

• Methods: Monitoring water quality, raising awareness, and reintroducing mussels.

Benefits Recap

• Ecosystem Health: Mussels improve water quality and provide critical habitats.

• Biodiversity: Supporting diverse life in rivers and streams.

• Sustainability: Indicating the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.