(WFRV) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the release of 177 endangered spectaclecase mussels into the Chippewa River, making a major step in restoring the native species to its historical habitat.
According to a press release from the DNR, once thought to have disappeared from the river, the spectaclecase mussel (Cumberlandia monodonta) vanished decades ago due to habitat loss and poor water quality. The recent release is part of a multi-state conservation effort involving the Wisconsin DNR, Minnesota DNR, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The DNR says the mussels rely on mooneye and goldeye fish to complete their lifecycle, and identifying those host species took decades of research. Juvenile mussels were propagated in Minnesota, then raised for up to five years at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery to increase survival before being placed in the Chippewa River.
Zebra mussels in lakes across Wisconsin threaten local ecosystems with toxic algae & mercury
“Propagation and reintroduction are useful conservation strategies to increase the abundance and distribution of native mussel populations,” said Jesse Weinzinger, Wisconsin DNR aquatic zoologist. “We’re thankful for the partnerships that made it possible to augment mussel populations in these streams and provide research going forward to help us shape recovery efforts.”
Spectaclecase mussels can grow up to nine inches long and live in rock piles or under large stones, rather than buried in the riverbed like most mussel species. Once found across 14 states, they now survives in only about 20 waterways.
Wisconsin is home to 50 native mussel species, but nearly half are considered endangered, threatened, or in need of conservation. Native mussels are crucial to healthy waterways, they filter pollutants from rivers, improve water clarity, and provide food for wildlife such as otters and ducks.
Those who want to support mussel recovery and other conservation efforts can donate to Endangered Resources Fund.
