Why are mussels important?
Mussels are an important food source for several different kinds of animals, including muskrats and raccoons, as well several species of fish. Because mussels firmly anchor themselves to the lake or stream bed, they actually stabilize the lake or stream bottom, thus minimizing the affects of wave action and floods. Mussel shells form an important substrate to which algae and insect larvae attach, and when present in large numbers, may become underwater gardens that in turn attract fish to feed, including their host fish. Mussels also “clean” the water they live in by removing undesirable particles and chemicals during their feeding process. Freshwater mussels were used by early Americans. Archaeological excavations have unearthed shell material in eastern North America from sites dating back to 8000 B.C. These early people not only used the mussels for food, but also used the shells to temper pottery, and for the making of tools, utensils, and jewelry. By the mid 1800’s European Americ
