When University of Rhode Island researchers slipped beneath the surface of the Moosup River recently, they did not expect to find a living freshwater mussel community.
When University of Rhode Island researchers slipped beneath the surface of the Moosup River recently, they did not expect to find a living freshwater mussel community. The discovery marked the first documented record of freshwater mussels in the river in more than three decades and included rare native species considered sensitive indicators of river health.
Graduate students Jamie Bucholz and Mallory Malz in URI’s Department of Natural Resources Science identified the mussel community during a survey of the river, which flows through northeastern Connecticut and western Rhode Island.
It’s a major milestone and a rare piece of good news for one of the world’s most overlooked endangered animal groups.
Read More at: University of Rhode Island
The discovery of freshwater mussels includes rare native species considered sensitive indicators of river health; shown, Margaritifera, Wood River. (Photo Credit: University of Rhode Island)
