About Mussels in Middle River

The following are notes from FOMR member and retired DGIF Biologist Paul Bugas in early 2020:

From our state malacologist, Brian Watson wrote “For Middle River, there are shell records for Triangle Floater (Alasmidonta undulata), Brook Floater (Alasmidonta varicosa) and Eastern Elliptio (Elliptio complanata). These records are all since 2005 so I am guessing there may be other species that were found earlier like Creeper (Strophitus undulatus) for which I just do not have the data.”

According to retired DGIF Biologist Paul Bugas, “The Clinch River is loaded with freshwater mussels and it makes a natural location for live mussel-tagging work. In Middle River, I think mussel seekers would find lots of Corbicula (Asian clams), but not a whole lot more. I do not see mussel tagging and planting happening for Middle River any time soon, however DGIF is ramping up mussel restoration on South River, as a result of mercury impacts. There is a chunk of DuPont settlement money going toward this effort.”