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 In this episode of Rarefied, host Meredith Meeker dives into the fascinating world of freshwater mussels, focusing on the snuffbox mussel's crucial role in maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. Joined by Dr. Catherine Febria and PhD student Lauren Damphousse from the University of Windsor, the discussion covers the unique biology and habitat of the snuffbox, the challenges they face due to environmental changes, and ongoing conservation efforts. 

Key highlights include the mussels' intricate reproductive strategies, their status as canaries in the coal mine for water quality, and the importance of community and conservation efforts to ensure their survival. 

https://www.facetsjournal.com/doi/10.1139/facets-2022-0207  

Bkejwanong Eco-Keepers love mussels, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvNSe6gCbDI&t=2s

Snuffbox traps a logperch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1YcaIN8cRs      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0YTBj0WHkU

00:00 Introduction to Rarefied Podcast 

00:41 Meet the Snuffbox Mussel 

01:27 Guest Introductions 

03:38 Understanding Freshwater Mussels 

06:13 Habitat and Behavior of Mussels 

09:21 Reproductive Strategies of Mussels 

14:58 Threats to Freshwater Mussels 

19:14 Conservation Efforts and Community Involvement 

25:15 Field Work and Research Techniques 

30:41 Understanding Mussel Translocation Challenges 

31:57 Freshwater Restoration and the Endangered Species Act 

32:43 Assessing the Mackey Protocol and Translocation Data 

33:19 The Importance of Site-Specific Conditions 

37:08 Community Involvement in Conservation Efforts 

39:32 Citizen Science and the Clam Counter App 

41:38 Field Stories and Team Building 

43:27 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts 

51:22 Hope and Future Directions in Conservation 

54:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts