Endangered Mussel Surveys
EnviroScience Mussel Divers on Kanawha River
Native freshwater mussels are an integral part of river and stream ecosystems. Mussels remove particulate matter from streams as they siphon the water column to obtain food. Rejected particles and feces provide a food source for invertebrate communities that subsequently support fish populations.
Freshwater mussels also serve as excellent indicators of water quality. Anthropogenic sources, especially non-point source pollution, threaten native populations of mussels. Other influences, such as sediment loading, dredging, and clearing riparian vegetation, can also alter mussel populations.
Mussel habitat can be lost through channelization and dam construction. Invasive species, including non-native mussels such as the zebra mussel, can also threaten native species.
Today, many bridge, pipeline, and road rehabilitation projects require freshwater mussel surveys as specified by the federal Endangered Species Act. These projects typically involve:
- Mussel habitat delineations
- Qualitative surveys to determine the presence or absence of native mussels
- Quantitative surveys to determine mussel diversity and density
- Mussel translocations and subsequent monitoring programs
Freshwater Mussels Translocation Grid
EnviroScience has extensive experience performing endangered mussel surveys for federal, state, and local transportation projects. In addition, our malacologists have conducted surveys associated with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit modifications and dredging operations. Our experience with regional regulations and regulators ensures compliance with all project specifications.
Why entrust EnviroScience malacologists to perform endangered mussel surveys?
- We have an experienced team of published malacologists and certified divers
- Our biologists are U.S. Fish and Wildlife-approved mussel surveyors
- EnviroScience’s underwater diving experience facilitates accurate freshwater mussel density estimates
- We can provide customized project designs for each client
- We utilize GPS/GIS and ArcPad technology for accurate mapping and monitoring
- Our scientists have provided expert witness testimony on mussel-related issues
- Our biologists use the latest technology in mussel tagging techniques
In Action
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- Diver with mussel bag
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- Bridge demolition_mussel survey in Meadville, PA
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- ES Endangered Mussel Survey Team on the Kanawha River, WV
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- Freshwater Mussel Survey
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- ES mussel divers on the Kanawha River, WV
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- Live Tagged Mussels_Mussel Survey
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- Endangered mussel diving on the Kanawha River, WV
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- Quantitative Mussel Surveys
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- Invasive Zebra mussels attached to a Pink Heelsplitter mussel
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- Freshwater mussel translocation
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- Wavy-rayed Lampmussel – Lampsilis fasciola – displaying its lure during a mussel survey
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- Freshwater mussel processing on Apalachicola River Basin
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- Great Smoky Mountain National Park Freshwater Mussel Survey on Abrams Creek, TN
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- Threehorn wartyback (Obliquaria reflexa)_freshwater mussel survey_threatened in OH
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- Clubshell – Pleurobema clava
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- Fanshell –Cyprogenia stegaria
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- Northern Riffleshell –Epioblasma torulosa rangiana– (federally endangered)
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- Pink Mucket –Lampsilis abrupta
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- Rabbitsfoot – Quadrula c. cylindrica – (federally threatened)
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- Rayed Bean – Villosa fabalis – (federally endangered)
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- Salamander Mussel –Simpsonaias ambigua (extremely rare)
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- Sheepnose –Plethobasus cyphyus (juvenile)
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- Snuffbox –Epioblasma triquertra (federally endangered)
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- Snuffbox –Epioblasma triquetra (federally endangered)
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- Spectaclecase –Cumberlandia monodonta
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- Pink Mucket –Lampsilis abrupta (tagged juvenile)
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- Lampsilis cardium
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- Rainbow Mussel – Villosa iris in the Collins River, TN
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- Texas Hornshell by Charles Randklev, Texas A&M University
Need help with your project?
Our experts are here to discuss your needs and how we can help you move your project forward. Fill out the form below for more information on our services or to request a quote, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. If you need a response within an hour or less, please call us at 800-940-4025.
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Wetland Delineation & Permitting
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Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.
Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.
EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to: aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring); emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.