EPP725 - Freshwater Mussels of the Pacific Northwest
Course Description
This combination classroom and field trip will provide participants with an understanding of the ecology of freshwater mussels, their identification, complex life history and status in the Northwest. Exotic bivalves, including zebra and quagga mussels and the Asian clam, will also be covered, as well as native bivalves other than mussels. Students will learn the relationship of mussels to native fishes, their importance as indicator species and environmental factors leading to their decline. Recent genetic work on local species will be reviewed. Past Native American use of mussels will be covered. Techniques for sampling mussels that can be used by the students will be outlined. The status of mussels as seen by natural resource agencies and groups will be reviewed as well as additional information needed by agencies for mussel protection. Take-home handouts (including the field guide, Freshwater Mussels of the Pacific Northwest) will be provided to assist with identification, life history information and information on non-native mollusks. This class will enable participants to understand, participate in and advocate protection and management that freshwater mussels need in the Northwest to continue to survive. The classroom part of the workshop will consist of lectures with slides by the instructor, presentations by other mussel biologists, videos and examination of mussel shells. The second day is dedicated to site visits at two local waterways to examine and discuss mussel habitat requirements and look for mussel shells and live mussels. The class will be an introduction to Northwest mussels. It is intended for persons with some biological background but not necessarily specific knowledge of mollusks.
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- River Restoration : Electives