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U.S. Geological Survey Science Vision for Native Freshwater Mussel Research in the United States

Circular 1511
Ecosystems Mission Area—Species Management Research Program
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1511

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Executive Summary

North America is a global center for native freshwater mussel (order Unionida, hereinafter “mussels”) diversity, with more than 350 species. Mussels are among the most imperiled fauna on the planet. Reasons for both local and widespread declines in mussels are mostly unknown, although the threats may include habitat loss and fragmentation, diseases, environmental contaminants, altered flow regimes, migration barriers to larval hosts, non-native species, and climate change.

Over the past three decades, research on mussels has been substantial. Nevertheless, current conservation and management efforts are limited by significant information gaps. For example, the effects of emerging stressors on mussels are largely unknown and identifying when habitats are rehabilitated and suitable for reestablishment of mussels remains challenging. Additionally, historical and current information on the distribution, taxonomy, and life histories are often unreliable or lacking altogether, and more reliable information is needed for many species.

We identified focal research themes, goals, and objectives where research on mussels is needed based on information gaps identified through conversations with resource partners across local, regional, and national organizations. Research on biodiversity seeks to enhance the diversity of mussel species and populations to support healthy aquatic ecosystems. Research on emerging stressors seeks to improve the understanding of how mussel species, populations, and communities respond to emerging stressors, including environmental contaminants and climate change. Research on conservation seeks to enhance the recovery of species and populations and to identify data gaps limiting the conservation of mussels and their habitats. Mussels are in urgent need of proactive conservation because they are an integral part of our natural heritage, enhance biodiversity, and provide vital ecological services that support freshwater ecosystems.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been, and continues to be, a leader in mussel research. Although the USGS is well suited to address the broad-scale multidisciplinary research needed to conserve mussels, the USGS has had substantial loss of scientists with mussel expertise over the past 20 years. However, the breadth of the USGS expertise on mussels can be leveraged internally across other USGS mission and program areas and externally across research partners. Given the breadth and scope of the issues facing mussels across the United States, the research themes outlined in this science vision can only be accomplished through extensive collaborations between the USGS and the full spectrum of natural resource partners, including other Federal and State agencies, Tribal organizations, universities, industries, and nongovernmental organizations.

Suggested Citation

Newton, T.J., Johnson, N.A., and Hu, D.H., 2023, U.S. Geological Survey science vision for native freshwater mussel research in the United States: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1511, 15 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1511.

ISSN: 2330-5703 (online)

ISSN: 1067-084X (print)

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Executive Summary
  • U.S. Geological Survey Science Vision for Native Freshwater Mussel Research
  • Need for Proactive Mussel Research
  • Science Vision Development
  • Focal Research Themes
  • Role of the U.S. Geological Survey in Mussel Conservation
  • U.S. Geological Survey Workforce in Mussel Conservation
  • Outreach and Communication
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title U.S. Geological Survey science vision for native freshwater mussel research in the United States
Series title Circular
Series number 1511
ISBN 978-1-4113-4537-9
DOI 10.3133/cir1511
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Office of the AD Ecosystems
Description vi, 15 p.
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details