Conservation Target : Mussels Management Goal: To restore native freshwater mussel species back to EBCI watersheds.
Biological Conditions: Non- native Invasive Species, Water quality threats, Man-Made barriers, Variable populations, Stable habitat
Contributed Service Cultural, Biodiversity, Regulating, Provisioning (historically), Public Health
Conservation Strategies Monitoring, Restoration
History and Adaptive Process: Despite having an important cultural and subsistence role in Cherokee history, freshwater mussels ( ᎤᏯᏍᎦ ) have been extirpated from much of their historical range in tribal waters. This has been due to several factors, with the biggest of those being the Ela Dam. Due to their spawning methods which rely on various fish species to carry their larvae upstream, low density upstream populations have been unable to be replenished for nearly a century. Mussels have also played important cultural and ecological roles as food and material sources, as well as acting as natural water filters, removing chemical, bacterial, and fungal pollutants in tribal waters. Beginning in 2020 our team began restoration efforts at 3 sites (approx. 32,300 sq. Ft.) across the Oconaluftee River with three species, ( Lampsilis fasciola, Villosa iris, & Elliptio dilatata ). We stocked approximately 350 individually tagged mature mussels and have been monitoring their populations since then. In the spring of 2023, we partnered with NCWRC & Marion State Fish Hatchery to stock over 1,200 Lampsilis fasciola in tribal waters. Alongside our work, researchers from Western Carolina University have also come to study freshwater mussels and have successfully completed three master's degrees with the help of our team. Today, Cherokee artisans carve shells and must source their muscle shells off of tribal waters. MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Current Methodology for Conservation Strategies Monitoring: Passive surveys methods are conducted once a month from July-September to determine continued presence/quantity of mussels along 3 sites. Results and Discussion for Information Transfer and Processing Ecological: Since the stocking of the 350 tagged mussels, the totals of tags detected have decreased.
Adaptive Decision for 2023
Management or Methodological Changes: Continue to monitor stocked sites. Due to the decrease in detected tags, investigate reassessing stocking locations and understand what factors may be leading to mortality at sites. Partner with Marion Hatchery to purse the theory that Sicklefin Redhorse ( Moxostoma spp. ) may be suitable host for larvae. Social & Cultural Changes: Pursue potentially partnering with other tribes for raising mussels due to their historical cultural importance.
41
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator