Native Mussel Restoration
The DNR will use its expertise to hatch and grow native freshwater mussels and to restore populations in Minnesota rivers. This project is part of a long-term, collaborative effort that will lead to cleaner water through targeted restoration of native mussel populations. The foundation of the effort is comprehensive assessments of water pollution within the state’s 80 major surface watersheds and prioritized to address these problems.
Freshwater mussels are nature's water filter, and a key component of ecological systems. They remove bacteria and excess nutrients and provide habitat and food resources for other organisms. Of the 50 native freshwater mussel species in Minnesota, 61% are low in number and declining, and their persistence is in jeopardy. They have declined largely because of dams, other types of fish barriers and water quality degradation. Even when barriers are removed, many mussel species are no longer present in sufficient numbers to repopulate rivers and streams. This project will restore mussels in sufficient numbers to become self-sustaining populations.
$300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year are for increasing native freshwater mussel production capacity and restoring and monitoring freshwater mussel restoration efforts.
In FY25 the DNR will continue to upgrade and customize aquarium systems for juvenile mussel propagation to increase success with propagating new mussel species. Planning associated with building new mussel propagation ponds will continue, with the goal of developing pond designs and a timeline for construction.
$300,000 the first year and $300,000 the second year are for increasing native freshwater mussel production capacity and restoring and monitoring freshwater mussel restoration efforts.
In FY24 the DNR will move its mussel propagation equipment and operations into a larger facility to expand its capacity for propagation and restoration activities in subsequent years. Activities in FY24 will include planning and designs for enhanced water supply and rearing capabilities.
In FY24 the DNR moved its mussel propagation equipment and operations into a larger facility to expand its capacity for propagation and restoration activities. Electrical service was upgraded throughout the facility to allow for growth and modifications to mussel and host-fish aquarium systems over time. Plumbing fixtures throughout the facility were customized to facilitate an efficient workflow. Mussel and host-fish aquarium systems were rebuilt and upgraded to maximize their performance. While setting up the new facility the team successfully propagated 141,595 juvenile mussels from four different species through our host-fish inoculations and released 7,296 mussels across three different watersheds.