Mussel propagation biologist Tony Brady. - FWS photo

Tony Brady,  Genoa National Fish Hatchery mussel propagation biologist, was recently asked to step up from the ranks and serve as current propagation committee chairperson of the Freshwater Mussel Conservation Society.  

Brady was approached by the sitting chairperson of the committee, and asked if he was interested in serving in this prestigious leadership position.  The Freshwater Mussel Conservation Society is devoted to the advocacy for, public education about, and conservation science of freshwater mollusks, North America's most imperiled fauna.  

Brady has been stationed at Genoa for the last 4 years, and is an integral part in the station's endangered mussel recovery efforts.  He also brings specific skills to the station which includes being a member of the hatchery dive team. 

By adding diving to the station's abilities, it allows for the collection of broodstock and the placement of mussel culture cages on Recovery sites at the best possible times of the year.  He is also skilled in mussel population surveys and assessments, a nontraditional role for fish hatcheries which has allowed the station to participate in mussel restoration efforts across the country.