Freshwater Mussels
​Abstracts

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​​Support Role of Zoos and Aquariums in Ex-situ Head-starting
of Native Mussel Propagation for Restoration

Ben Minerich

Minnesota Zoo
Full Abstract
Support role of Zoos and Aquariums in ex-situ head-starting of native mussel propagation for restoration: rearing, research, and reach. How the MN Zoo leverages its aquatic system design and maintenance, research methodology, and public engagement expertise to enhance unionid propagation efforts and improve public awareness and action in conservation science.
An update on the growth of tagged Lampsilis siliquoidea
(Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Crooked Lake (Whitley County, Indiana).

Warren Pryor

University of Saint Francis
Full Abstract
I reported at RAW 2019 that the growth rate of adult Fat Mucket mussels in Crooked Lake was about 0.88 mm/year. Subsequent data acquisition and analysis builds upon that foundation. Results from my examination of records from 240 tagged individuals since 2011 have allowed the calculation of von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) parameters, that help to describe the important role these mussels play in moving carbon from the plankton to the benthos. In addition, the VBGF parameters for this wild population provide a baseline for anyone caring for unionids in captivity. More broadly, the methods I will describe are applicable by aquarists to many other taxa – for instance, sharks, crabs and sea stars – to better understand their growth.
Freshwater Mussel Propagation for Conservation

Megan Bradley

Genoa National Fish Hatchery
Full Abstract
Freshwater Mussel Propagation for Conservation- Genoa National Fish Hatchery (GNFH) has been involved in the culture of freshwater mussels in the Upper Mississippi River Basin since efforts began in 2000. The program has expanded from working with a single species, using a single technique, to working with as many as 18 species from various river basins, and the techniques used have evolved and been made to suit the culture location or species-specific needs. From head-starting freshwater mussels to culturing them with our partners, to reintroduction and augmentation to prevent listing, or to move towards recovery, GNFH works with a diverse suite of organisms. In addition to the 18 species of freshwater mussels, the hatchery rears an endangered dragonfly, and around 17 species of fish.