FRESHWATER MUSSEL SURVEY UNDERWAY IN RIVER RAISIN
Scientists will conduct a freshwater mussel survey in the River Raisin from Monday, Sept. 21, through Friday, Sept. 25. A scientific dive team from Environmental Consulting & Technology will examine mussel populations and gather information about the health of the river.
The River Raisin Watershed Council in partnership with the City of Monroe Commission on the Environment and Water Quality, invites the community to attend a pop-up conservation event for a behind-the-scenes look at the survey.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Wednesday, September 23
TIME: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Riverfront Parking Lot Pavilion, 120 W. Front St., between the Martin Luther King Jr. Pedestrian Bridge and the U.S. Post Office
Visitors can view freshwater mussel specimens, learn about their role in the river ecosystem and speak with members of the survey team, including a malacologist—a scientist who studies mollusks.
WHY THE MUSSEL SURVEY MATTERS
Freshwater mussels help support healthy river ecosystems and can provide important information about water quality. Michigan is home to 43 mussel species, many of which are threatened by pollution, dams and invasive species.
The survey will help scientists better understand mussel populations in the River Raisin before proposed dam-removal work moves forward. The findings will help protect endangered species and support responsible project planning.