Eastern Region Biology
|
 |
Conservation of
Freshwater Mussels in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
|
Nearly 300 species of mussels inhabit freshwater rivers, streams, and lakes in North America. This is the richest diversity of mussels found in the world. Freshwater mussels belong to a larger group of animals with shells called mollusks. Mollusks are soft-bodied animals enclosed by two hard shells made mostly of calcium and are connected by a ligament or hinge. Because adults are sedentary, long-lived (some live over 100 years), live in sediments, and feed by filtering water, they are excellent indicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems. In addition, mussels are a vital link in the food chain because they are a major food item for wildlife such as raccoon, muskrat, and otter. Their lustrous, pearl-like interior have made them valuable in the cultured pearl and jewelry industry.
MORE...
|
|
|
 |
 |
| National Wildlife Health Center |
| As of October 2003, West Nile virus activity was detected in 44 continental states, 7 Canadian provinces, and Northern Mexico. |
|
|
 |
| Florida Integrated Science Center |
| Monitoring trends in the amphibian population on St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Fla. a friendly cottonmouth. |
|
|
 |
| Patuxent Wildlife Reseach Center |
| As part of the Atlantic Seaduck Project, this Surf Scoter was released and tracked using satellite telemetry. |
|
|
|
|
 |
| Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center |
| Providing 45 years of service and science in the Upper Midwest. |
|
|
 |
| Great Lakes Science Center |
| The Great Lakes Science Center’s long-term fish stock assessment and monitoring programs provide critical scientific information on
the status and health of Great Lakes fish populations.
|
|
|
 |
| Leetown Science Center |
| Scientists at the LSC have determined that Mycobacteriosis is an emerging threat to striped bass and the fishery it supports in both the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
