Freshwater Mussels Pacific Northwest - State Water Resources ...

Shoreline searches (top), clearbottombuckets (left), and snorkeling (right) arecommon survey methods. photos: Allan Smith(top), CTUIR Freshwater Mussel Project (right)while staying on your feet. This may be an important consideration if waterquality is questionable, or if other factors do not permit you to swim. It is abetter method than shoreline searches because you can find live animals inthe water, but you are limited to shallow areas less than two or three feet deepand having sufficient water clarity to see the mussels.Snorkeling: Searching for mussels while swimming, using a mask and snorkel,can be an enjoyable experience as long as conditions are suitable. Snorkeling allowsyou to survey a large area, search in deeper water, and see live animals betterup-close. This method usually requires warm water temperatures, good waterquality, and a safe working environment free of hazards. Wetsuits—and weightsto counter the buoyant effect of wetsuits—are often required in cold water.Warning about collecting mussels!Scientists and managers want new information on mussel distribution, butthey discourage people from killing and collecting live animals to provethat they found them. State or federal law protects some species, and it isa punishable crime to kill them or possess their shells. People are encouragedto submit observations of mussels and habitat conditions to localwatershed groups or state and federal fish and wildlife offices, includingphotographs of shells and habitat. Experts can then verify the information.14Freshwater Mussels of the Pacific Northwest