Michigan's rivers hold 45 species of freshwater mussels — among the most endangered animals in North America. They filter water, stabilize riverbeds, and support entire food webs. Most have never had their genomes sequenced.
Last updated: March 2026. Identifying partner labs and conservation agencies for specimen access.
Freshwater mussels chosen for their conservation urgency and Michigan relevance. Exploring partnerships with MDNR and university malacologists for specimen access.
MilestoneCollaborative field survey with conservation partners to document mussel populations and collect tissue samples for genomic work. Details forthcoming.
Freshwater mussels are the most endangered group of animals in North America. Nearly 70% of the roughly 300 North American species are threatened, endangered, or already extinct. They vanish quietly — buried in riverbeds, out of sight, largely unknown to the public.
Yet they are ecological powerhouses. A single mussel can filter up to 10 gallons of water per day. Mussel beds stabilize stream substrates, cycle nutrients, and create habitat for fish and invertebrates. Many species have remarkable life cycles — their larvae must attach to specific fish hosts to develop, creating intricate ecological dependencies.
Michigan's 45 species represent a significant fraction of continental diversity. Reference genomes would enable conservation managers to assess genetic diversity, track population connectivity, and make informed decisions about which populations to protect or restore.