Snuffbox: More than a filter

Rarefied Podcast

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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