Focus: Freshwater Mussels (endangered species) and their impact on water health and river ecosystem

In cooperation with the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service’s Genoa National Fish Hatchery and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the River Museum has been raising freshwater mussels for recovery projects since 2004. The mussels (a host-dependent species) are raised in floating culture cages in the Ice Harbor along our Mussel Dock. The Museum propagates logperch fish and place them in the culture cages for the mussels to attach to. Once full grown, the sub-adult mussels detach from their host fish. When ready, USFWS stocks the mussels in the Upper Mississippi River Watershed in areas of need. Freshwater mussels are vital “ecosystem engineers” that filter pollutants, sediment, and bacteria, cleaning up to 10–20 gallons of water daily. As a keystone species,  freshwater mussels enhance habitat for other organisms and indicate water health. Their unique, host-dependent life cycle requires fish for larval dispersal, making them highly vulnerable to habitat degradation. 

Key learning includes:

• Essential “Liver of the River:” Freshwater Mussels improve water quality by filtering algae, bacteria, and particles, while their empty shells provide habitats for insects and snails.
• Complex Life Cycle: Mussel larvae (glochidia) must attach to a logperch fish’s gills or fins for 1–4 weeks to develop, often using specialized lures to attract their host. 
• High Sensitivity and Conservation Risk: They are among the most threatened creatures, with populations declining due to dams, pollution, invasive species, and habitat changes.
• Keystone Species: They stabilize riverbeds, cycle nutrients, and provide food for muskrats, raccoons, and birds.
• Not for Consumption: Unlike saltwater mussels, North American freshwater mussels are not palatable and are protected due to their ecological importance.

Website: https://www.rivermuseum.org/mussels