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The Most Important Animals You May Never Notice
When you peer through the surface of your local stream, you may not notice the mussels burrowed in the rocks. These aquatic workhorses are key to keeping our streams and waterways clean.
Mussels and healthy streams
Mussels are an important food source for aquatic and terrestrial animals. Mussels improve water quality by filtering out contaminants, sediments, and excess nutrients from our rivers and streams. Perhaps most importantly, mussels are the aquatic “canary in the coalmine,” functioning as environmental indicators. They are sensitive to climate change and toxic chemicals and serve as early warning systems that can alert us to water quality problems. Conversely, high diversity mussel populations indicate a healthy stream for all species in that ecosystem.
Making a difference for an overlooked native species
Through some unique partnerships, Kentucky Waterways Alliance has been working on mussel analysis, research, conservation, propagation, augmentation, and enhancement of native species. We have helped map mussels across the region, find mussels in areas they were thought to be extinct, and work to advance groundbreaking science in mussel propagation. Continued efforts will ensure that these often overlooked species will be around for future generations of humans and wildlife, serving their critically important function in the web of life.
About the Author
Will Willis became the Communications Director of Kentucky Waterways Alliance after attaining his Masters in Environmental Public Health from the University of Louisville. He uses his experience with environmental policy, statewide research, and client management to improve community vitality and promote cultures of wellness.
