Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US
Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US
The federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) is a native species of freshwater mussels whose populations are rapidly declining. Because of the important role freshwater mussels can play in stream ecosystems (e.g., improving water quality, providing habitat), many agencies are interested in freshwater mussel conservation and restoration. To do so, however, requires an understanding of each species habitat needs, fish host densities, and genetic structure of existing populations. Partners from the USGS Leetown Science Center Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory, the USGS Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife are working together to develop in vitro propagation and culture techniques of the dwarf wedgemussel, assess potential locations for dwarf wedgemussel reintroduction, and evaluate the genetic structure of existing populations to preserve genetic diversity of the species.
Dwarf Wedgemussel Propagation and Restoration in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US
The federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) is a native species of freshwater mussels whose populations are rapidly declining. Because of the important role freshwater mussels can play in stream ecosystems (e.g., improving water quality, providing habitat), many agencies are interested in freshwater mussel conservation and restoration. To do so, however, requires an understanding of each species habitat needs, fish host densities, and genetic structure of existing populations. Partners from the USGS Leetown Science Center Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory, the USGS Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife are working together to develop in vitro propagation and culture techniques of the dwarf wedgemussel, assess potential locations for dwarf wedgemussel reintroduction, and evaluate the genetic structure of existing populations to preserve genetic diversity of the species.