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The rivers that flow into the eastern Gulf of Mexico historically supported 58 species of freshwater mussels. Nearly 70% are endemic to (found only in) these systems.
Seventeen listed mussels and 6 at risk mussels occur in river basins from the Escambia River east to the Suwannee River. Habitat loss and degradation as a result of impoundments, pollution, sedimentation, channel dredging, altered flow regimes, and development activities are the primary reason for their decline.
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Escambia River near Mystic Spring, Florida
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