Investigation of the Impacts of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Recruitment of Freshwater Mussels in the Maumee Watershed

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is investigating the impact of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) on recruitment in freshwater mussels by surveying and collecting biological mussel data from mussel populations in six locations throughout the Maumee River (Ohio) watershed. Surveying will include population relevant data such as mussel size, age, sex, and reproductive condition. Biological sampling will include both non lethal (testes biopsies, and glochidia sampling) and lethal (fatty acid, glycogen, and contaminant evaluations). Host fish infestation rates and species use will also be analyzed. These biological data will be correlated with contaminant levels of both the mussels and their environment (sediment and water) to assess the impact of CECs, if any, to freshwater mussel recruitment and reproduction. This is a notice of intent to award a single source grant to Central Michigan University without competition under justification 505DM.14.B.4. Competition for the award is not practical as Central Michigan University is uniquely qualified to perform the research needed to evaluate freshwater mussel recruitment in the Maumee watershed. They are familiar with the surveying techniques necessary to evaluate the population structure of the mussel beds to be investigated, can perform the necessary biological sampling and perform the laboratory evaluations needed. They are acknowledged experts in the field of freshwater mussel ecology and biology and routinely work with endangered mussel species. Having years of research experience, the proposed project would greatly benefit from the past knowledge and experience of CMU personnel and is important to the USFWS directive of understanding the impacts of contaminants of emerging concern on our trust resources including endangered freshwater mussels.