Freshwater Mussel Reintroduction

Mussel surveys have shown that mussels have been nearly eradicated from the Mission Reach but are still surviving in numerous remnant channels. The River Authority initiated the Mission Reach Mussel Survivability study in 2017. Results of this study, coupled with the knowledge gained from the Mussel Propagation and Production Project, give staff confidence that a mussel reintroduction is feasible. Over the life of the project, the US Fish & Wildlife Service will produce individuals of four mussel species and River Authority staff will place them into the Mission Reach. The project is scheduled for five years as that is the approximate time it takes for the slowest maturing of the four species to reach maturity and produce offspring.