ECT’s national scientific dive team and state and federally permitted malacologists are driving freshwater mussel conservation efforts across the Great Lakes region. These recent projects highlight how protecting mussel populations supports water quality, ecosystem resilience, and habitat restoration goals.
In Ohio, ECT malacologists recently completed mussel survey work that supported proposed improvements to existing pipeline infrastructure under a tributary of Sugar Creek in Tuscarawas County. This was ECT’s first freshwater mussel survey and relocation in the state. Read more about this project on LinkedIn.
Continuing the focus on resilient waterways, ECT partnered with the City of Monroe, Michigan, on a mussel survey in the River Raisin, a key step toward removing Dam #4. Supported by NOAA’s Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grant and in collaboration with the River Raisin Watershed Council, this work will improve habitat connectivity and resilience. See highlights from the project here.
In Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan, ECT’s team provided comprehensive mussel services, including habitat assessments, surveys, and relocations, for maintenance dredge projects on the St. Joseph River. The proposed dredging will improve and maintain recreational boat passage and river access for residents at two marina facilities. In total, ECT malacologists and scientific dive team successfully relocated 643 live mussels, representing 11 species.
These efforts demonstrate ECT’s commitment to advancing restoration and resilience throughout the Great Lakes region. Interested in how restoration projects can strengthen your community’s natural resources? Connect with our experts today.
