A systematic review of the global freshwater mussel restoration toolbox

Abstract

1. Halting the global decline of freshwater mussels requires an improved understanding of the restoration approaches currently in use and the identification of shortcomings to inform the development of new ones. This article reviews published evaluations of restoration efforts on the ground and those identified or proposed in the literature.

Survival and growth assessment after reintroduction of the pocketbook mussel, Lampsilis cardium Rafinesque, 1820 among three streams in Nebraska (USA)

“…imperilled species), owing to its rarity and vulnerability to extinction in Nebraska (Schneider et al, 2011). Among the main factors likely to have contributed to this species' decline are habitat fragmentation, stream channelization, siltation, degraded water quality, agriculture and urban effluent (Eveleens & Febria, 2022).…”

“…The conservation and protection of freshwater mussels and their habitats has become increasingly important over the past decades because several species are threatened largely because of human pressures, such as habitat fragmentation and degradation, over‐exploitation, pollution, climate change, and biological invasions (Bogan, 1993; Ricciardi & Rasmussen, 1999; Modesto et al, 2018; Zajac et al, 2018; Eveleens & Febria, 2022). Approximately 70% of native unionid species in North America are endangered, threatened, or of special concern (Williams et al, 1993; Haag, 2012; Haag & Williams, 2014).…”

“…Thus, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Plan has been implemented to provide a framework of goals to conserve, restore and enhance aquatic species, including the 88 federally endangered mussel species in the USA (USFWS; US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2016). Numerous conservation management strategies have been implemented so far, including mussel reintroduction, augmentation or translocation, depending on population or environmental conditions (Hua et al, 2016; Ferreira‐Rodríguez et al, 2019; Eveleens & Febria, 2022). In addition to their integral role in food webs and ecosystems, mussels can contribute to beneficial interactions and enhance ecosystem functioning by their restoration, which has the potential to generate ecosystem‐scale benefits (Vaughn, Nichols & Spooner, 2008; Geist, 2010).…”

Relocation of Western Pearlshell before and After Stream Restoration in Tincup Creek, Idaho

“…Relocation is a common strategy for temporarily or permanently removing mussels from areas that will be affected by construction or other human activities (Cope and Waller 1995;Eveleens and Febria 2022). Mussel survival after relocation varies widely among projects (Cope and Waller 1995;Tiemann et al 2016), but proper collecting and handling practices, as well as prior evaluation of habitat suitability and mussel density at the relocation site, can increase the chances of success (Bolden and Brown 2002;Luzier and Miller 2009).…”

Assessing the potential for restoring freshwater mussels to urban streams

“…Despite their complex life histories, recent advances in propagation methods allow the rearing of hatchery‐raised mussels in sufficient numbers to undertake ecologically relevant stocking efforts (Jones, Mair & Neves, 2003; Gum, Lange & Geist, 2011; Patterson et al, 2018). Improving the effectiveness of stocking efforts requires the documentation of successful and failed efforts, and the use of appropriate metrics for assessing outcomes (Eveleens & Febria, 2022). As with any stocking effort, careful consideration must be given as to which species are appropriate for given locations, and the habitat conditions that favour success (IUCN/SSC, 2013; Denic et al, 2015; Hart, Fisher & Randklev, 2021).…”