Citizen Science Monitoring of Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) in the Huron River Watershed, Michigan

Abstract

Freshwater mussels (Unionidae) are a widely diverse group that serve significant roles in aquatic ecosystems. The ecosystem roles of unionids include filtering algae and nutrients from water, providing habitat for aquatic macroinvertebrates, and providing food for predators such as muskrats and raccoons; because of their sensitivity to pollution they act as water quality indicators. However, populations of unionids are severely imperiled and their distribution and abundance have been greatly reduced, especially in Michigan where 18 of our 43 unionid species are state protected and six of which are federally protected. This decline is primarily due to threats such as river impoundment, overharvesting, the spread of exotic species, and pollution. A collaboration was developed with the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) to design a citizen science monitoring program using volunteers to assess the distribution and abundance of mussels across the Huron River watershed. The program design includes survey protocols, educational materials, and state and federal recommendations and regulations for HRWC to conduct their monitoring program. Through the implementation of this project, HRWC will be able to protect native mussels by identifying where native mussels are located and where they might need support from the organization’s other restoration initiatives. Involving the public in this program will spread awareness for freshwater mussels to garner more support for conservation and will improve community relationships with the river by teaching people about the river’s ecology and the connections to society. This project aims to be an ecologically and socially beneficial program that will enhance the lives of humans and other animals in the Huron River Watershed.