School of Earth, Environment and Society

epp.105

EPP 105: Biology. Ecology and Conservation of Native Freshwater Mussels

Course Technical Director - Christina Wang, Benthos Consulting

Native freshwater mussels are among the most ecologically and culturally significant animals, and among the most overlooked. This course is designed for students who want to understand all aspects of freshwater mussel biology and ecology and how to account for their needs in restoration projects. Instruction comes from scientists whose research and conservation work has established them as leading experts in the freshwater mussel community. The course is organized into three units: Biology, Ecology and Cultural Importance; Integrating Freshwater Mussels into Restoration; and Freshwater Mussel Conservation and Management.

For more information, please see the course introduction video by the Course Technical Director, Christina Wang

EPP 105 is a self-paced, asynchronous online course structured around three learning units: the Biology and ecology of mussels, the culture importance of mussles and conservation and management.

  • Taught by world-leading experts, practitioners and tribal members
  • Each learning unit includes three lectures followed by a short exam.
  • Exams consist of five questions, all of which must be answered correctly to pass. Participants have three attempts to pass each exam. If additional attempts are needed, please contact the EPP program at epp@pdx.edu.
  • Once an exam is passed, you may advance to the next unit.
  • Participants must complete the course within six months of enrollment. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate and be listed on the Environmental Professional Program graduate page.

Unit 1: Freshwater Mussel Biology, Ecology and Cultural Importance

Lecture 1: Biology and Ecology of Native Freshwater Mussels (Dr. Zee Searles Mazzacano, CASM Environmental) Free Preview

  • What native freshwater mussels are/are not
  • Diversity of species and Western species introduction
  • Internal anatomy and role of gills and foot
  • Basic needs/habitat/how mussels respond to the environment
  • Ecological importance of mussels

Lecture 2:  Freshwater Mussel Life Cycle and Host Fish Relationships (Dr. Alexa Maine, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation)

  • Unique life cycle
  • Host fish relationships
  • Reproduction

Lecture 3: Cultural Importance of Saxu (Freshwater Mussels) (Wenix Red Elk, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation)

  • History of CTUIR
  • First foods, reciprocity
  • Cultural importance of freshwater mussels to indigenous people

 

Unit 2: Integrating Freshwater Mussels into Restoration

Lecture 1:  Western Mussel Distribution (Derek Shea, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation)

  • Global biodiversity, North American distribution, Western species
  • Species specific distribution
  • Habitat requirements
  • Environmental impacts and rapid decline
  • Survey advancements

Lecture 2:  Western Freshwater Mussels: Species Identification and Sampling Techniques/Framework (Emilie Blevins, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation)

  • Anatomy and shell morphology
  • Identification in the field
  • Introduction to the survey protocol framework and other sampling methods

Lecture 6:  Habitat Restoration and Best Management Practices (Emilie Blevins, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation)

  • Mussels as habitat and sensitive species
  • Threats and causes of mussel decline
  • Habitat restoration risks/benefits
  • Best Management Practices for freshwater mussels

 

Unit 3: Freshwater Mussel Conservation and Management 

Lecture 1:  Freshwater Mussels in Oregon and ODFW Management (Michele Weaver, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)

  • Conservation status: mussels globally and our species
  • Jurisdiction/management
  • Protections/permitting/regulations
  • Western Ridged Mussel status

Lecture 2:  CTUIR Freshwater Mussel Research and Restoration (Dr. Alexa Maine, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation)

  • CTUIR Freshwater Mussel Master Plan
  • Conservation
  • Supplementation
  • Aquaculture
  • Restoration and Research 

Lecture 3:  Conservation Measures for Mussels and Ways to get Involved (Courtney Newon, USFWS and Emilie Blevins, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation)

  • Current conservation landscape
  • Ways to get involved
  • Conservation recommendations
  • Western Mussel Atlas
  • Visual survey protocol framework
  • Mussel BMPs