Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox

Captive Breeding of Mussels

Global decline in biodiversity leading to extirpations and/or extinctions of endangered species has been the driving force behind the creation of captive breeding programs. These programs aim to conserve genetic diversity and fitness mainly through artificial insemination or freezing sperm and eggs for future use in cryobanks. Throughout their range, freshwater mussels are experiencing both aquatic and terrestrial threats to their habitats, causing a decrease in recruitment and thus population declines. Captive breeding and culturing programmes have been established to augment wild populations, with a heavy emphasis in literature on the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera). Many factors such as temperature, water quality, and diet must be considered in order to produce a successful culture. Different techniques and their success are reviewed in this section.

Rating:
All 4 syntheses scored poorly in CEESAT demonstrating limitations in the rigour and the transparency in which these reviews were conducted (i.e., no a-priori protocol, critical appraisal, or search strategy provided). All syntheses were scored highly according to RASCAT, demonstrating high applicability and relevancy to a Canadian freshwater context. Only two syntheses scored poorly in one RASCAT element which rated applicability of the syntheses to practitioners. Lime et al. (2012) and Thomas et al. (2010) did not provide appropriate considerations of implications, practical advice, or recommendations.

Gum, B., Lange, M., & Geist, J. (2011)

A critical reflection on the success of rearing and culturing juvenile freshwater mussels with a focus on the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritfera margaritifera L.)

Title: A critical reflection on the success of rearing and culturing juvenile freshwater mussels with a focus on the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritfera margaritifera L.)

Authors: Gum, B., Lange, M., & Geist, J.

Journal: Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

Year: 2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.1222

Species or groups: Freshwater pearl mussel, estimates of other species listed in Table 1

Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2476

Abstract: 1. Freshwater mussels are in decline throughout their range. The lack of natural recruitment in freshwater pearl mussel populations and other freshwater molluscs has led to controversies about the usefulness and applicability of captive breeding techniques for their conservation. 2. The current state of rearing and culturing programmes for freshwater mussels in Europe and North America is reviewed here with a focus on the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera). Different strategies of propagation and the key factors of success are addressed and conservation management decisions are discussed with respect to risk reduction and the intensity of the culturing system. 3. Based on the rearing techniques applied for multiple species in North America, and for the genus Margaritifera in European countries, sufficient numbers of juveniles can be produced to sustain selected populations. However, captive breeding and stocking should be carefully documented and must not replace the restoration of functional stream habitats. 4. From a conservation point of view, captive breeding of endangered mussel species can be a last-minute rescue tool in order to retain the evolutionary potential of priority populations which would not persist long enough to benefit from habitat restoration practices.

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Lima, P., Lopes-Lima, M., Kovitvadhi, U., Kovitadhi, S., Owen, C., & Machado, J. (2012)

A review on the "in vitro" culture of freshwater mussels (Unionoida)

Title: A review on the "in vitro" culture of freshwater mussels (Unionoida)

Authors: Lima, P., Lopes-Lima, M., Kovitvadhi, U., Kovitadhi, S., Owen, C., & Machado, J.

Journal: Hydrobiologia

Year: 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-012-1078-0

Species or groups: Mucket, Pheasantshell, Cumberland elktoe, Slippershell mussel, Threeridge mussel, Swan mussel, Flat floater, Fanshell, Elliptio augustata, Eastern elliptio, Elephant-ear mussel, Oyster mussel, Cumberlandian combshell, Ebonyshell, Wabash bigtoe, Hyriopsis myersiana, Pink mucket, Plain pocketbook mussel, Wavy-rayed lampmussel, Pocketbook mussel, Fatmucket clam, Yellow sandshell, Lampsilis ventricosa, Flutedshell, Black sandshell, Ohio pigtoe, Sheepnose mussel, Kidneyshell, Eastern floater, Giant floater, Pimpleback, Creeper mussel, Lilliput, Paper pondshell, Unio delphinus, Rainbow mussel, Little Spectaclecase, Kentucky creekshell, Painted creekshell, Diplodon expansus, Rhipidodonta grata

Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/601

Abstract: Many Unionoida are considered to be extinct, endangered, or of special concern. These bivalves have complex life cycle stages that limit successful culture. In nature, the larvae (glochidia) of these bivalves must successfully parasitize a host (mainly fish) in order to metamorphose into juveniles. The two artificial methods used to obtain juvenile freshwater mussels in laboratory are either by induced attachment to host fish or by in vitro culture of glochidia. This article is focused on the in vitro method that represents a novel and alternative process to fish infestation, offering the ability to obtain larger numbers of juveniles without the need for host fishes and reducing the overall costs of propagation. In vitro culture requires a medium which fulfills the nutritional needs of each glochidia species and avoids microbial contamination. Recently, this methodology has presented excellent results with survival and transformation rates up to 94% using host fish plasma. High efficiencies on growth, and survival rates (84%) of juvenile freshwater bivalve Hyriopsis myersiana (Lea, 1856) up to 120 days were obtained when reared in adequate recirculating aquacultural systems using a very specific diet. More research is still needed to demonstrate successful propagation, mainly concerning the media nutritional composition to increase glochidia transformation and juvenile quality.

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Haag, W.R., & Williams, J.D. (2014)

Biodiversity on the brink: an assessment of conservation strategies for North American freshwater mussels

Title: Biodiversity on the brink: an assessment of conservation strategies for North American freshwater mussels

Authors: Haag, W.R., & Williams, J.D.

Journal: Hydrobiologia

Year: 2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-013-1524-7

Species or groups: Freshwater mussels

Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2476

Abstract: The North America freshwater mussel fauna has suffered an inordinately high recent extinction rate, and the small size and isolation of many remaining populations portends a continued diminishment of this fauna. Causes of extinction and imperilment are varied but revolve around massive habitat loss, deterioration, and fragmentation. The National Strategy for the Conservation of Native Mussels, published in 1997, has guided efforts to address this crisis. Considerable progress has been made toward several of the Strategies’ goals, particularly increasing our knowledge of mussel biology, promoting mussel conservation, and development of techniques for captive mussel propagation. However, mussel conservation should focus more directly on reducing fragmentation through bold and aggressive habitat restoration. In addition to dam removal, improvement in dam tailwater flows, and restoration of channelized streams, identification of factors that eliminated mussels from many otherwise intact streams is critical. Translocation and captive propagation will be key elements in reestablishing mussel assemblages in restored habitats, but these techniques should be used with caution and primarily to increase the occurrence of a species throughout its historical range. Conserving mussel diversity in an ever-changing world is dependent on promoting the natural, long-term sustainability and evolutionary potential of mussel populations.

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Thomas, G.R., Taylor, J., & Garcia de Leaniz, C. (2010)

Captive breeding of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera.

Title: Captive breeding of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera.

Authors: Thomas, G.R., Taylor, J., & Garcia de Leaniz, C.

Journal: Endangered Species Research

Year: 2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00286

Species or groups: Freshwater pearl mussel

Other sources of evidence: https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/2476

Abstract: Freshwater pearl mussels (Unionidae: Bivalvia) rank among the most endangered aquatic invertebrates, and this has recently prompted a number of initiatives designed to propagate the species through captive breeding. Yet there are few guidelines to aid in freshwater mussel culture for conservation, and few or no results on the fate of released juveniles. We reviewed various ex situ strategies for freshwater mussel conservation with emphasis on the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (L.), one of the most critically endangered unionids. Captive breeding could help safeguard critically endangered populations, but current rearing methods need to be optimised. Areas in particular need of research include the collection and storage of viable glochidia, the development of efficient rearing systems, and the formulation of algal diets. Likewise, the degree of host specificity warrants further investigation, as this will largely dictate the success of reintroduction programmes. Finally, we note that more information is needed on the degree of genetic structuring and post-release survival before translocation programmes can be recommended. As with other conservation projects, captive breeding of the freshwater pearl mussel cannot compensate for loss of critical habitats and is likely to be most efficient in combination with in situ conservation, not in isolation.

Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox

Captive Breeding of Mussels

Gum, B., Lange, M., & Geist, J. (2011)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Lima, P., Lopes-Lima, M., Kovitvadhi, U., Kovitadhi, S., Owen, C., & Machado, J. (2012)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Haag, W.R., & Williams, J.D. (2014)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Thomas, G.R., Taylor, J., & Garcia de Leaniz, C. (2010)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

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Article

Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox

Captive Breeding of Mussels

Gum, B., Lange, M., & Geist, J. (2011)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Lima, P., Lopes-Lima, M., Kovitvadhi, U., Kovitadhi, S., Owen, C., & Machado, J. (2012)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Haag, W.R., & Williams, J.D. (2014)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Thomas, G.R., Taylor, J., & Garcia de Leaniz, C. (2010)

Assessment of reliability and robustness (CEESAT)

Assessment of relevance to Canada (RASCAT)

Other Interventions

Find other Interventions

Fencing of Farm Animals

Agricultural Run-off Control

Bycatch Reduction – Fish

Bycatch Reduction – Turtles

Find other Interventions