GLIN==> Vital Research on Freshwater Mussels Supported by Ohio Lake Erie Protection Fund

OLEC News Release - Vital Research on Freshwater Mussels Supported by Lake Erie 
Protection Fund
 
 
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2011
Vital Research on Freshwater Mussels Supported by Lake Erie Protection Fund
Study reveals 22 species of mussels in Maumee watershed

TOLEDO, OH– Twenty-two live species of freshwater mussels are living in three 
Maumee River tributaries, including the state endangered rayed bean mussel 
(Villosa fabalis), according to a University of Toledo study. The study was 
supported by the Lake Erie Protection Fund, which is funded through sales of the 
Lake Erie license plate.

Researchers Jeff Grabarkiewicz and Hans Gottgens of UT’s Department of 
Environmental Sciences documented the status of freshwater mussel communities in 
northwest Ohio during the summer and fall of 2010. The discovery of the rayed 
bean was of particular interest since the species also is a candidate for 
listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The study shows the species 
persists in western Lake Erie drainage even though Ohio’s freshwater mussel 
numbers have been in decline.

“Freshwater mussels are an important yet often overlooked part of local aquatic 
ecosystems,” explained Mr. Grabarkiewicz.  “Several species in the Maumee 
watershed have become greatly reduced in number while others are no longer 
reproducing. Through our research, we were able to establish the current 
population status of mussel communities within six reaches of three Maumee River 
tributaries.”

Ohio is home to 65 native species of freshwater mussels – all of which provide 
ecological benefits to various state waterways, including Lake Erie. Mussels are 
living biofilters, each capable of cleaning several gallons of water per day. 
Historically, Lake Erie and its watershed were home to 44 different species of 
freshwater mussels. This number has declined over the last century due to 
habitat loss and poor water quality.

Grabarkiewicz and Gottgens conducted their study in the Blanchard River (Hancock 
and Hardin counties), Swan Creek (Lucas County), and Beaver Creek (Wood County). 
They identified 22 live species and 1,197 live individuals, with the highest 
density, abundance and diversity in the upper Blanchard River. The state Ohio 
endangered rayed bean still can be found in the Western Lake Erie drainage. This 
species also is a candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species 
Act. The results of the project are important in promoting diversity of native 
fauna by protecting and restoring habitat, a goal of the 2008 Lake Erie 
Protection & Restoration Plan.

The UT study can be found online at 
http://www.lakeerie.ohio.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=yKA4Au8Fk70%3d&tabid=61

The Lake Erie Protection Fund was established to help finance research and 
implementation of projects aimed at protecting, preserving and restoring Lake 
Erie and its watershed. The fund is supported by Ohioans through the purchase of 
the “Erie...Our Great Lake” license plate, which displays the Marblehead 
Lighthouse, as designed by noted Lake Erie artist Ben Richmond. Fifteen dollars 
from the sale or renewal of each plate is invested in the Lake Erie Protection 
Fund grant program. To date, the fund has awarded over $9.5 million in grants to 
entities including nonprofits, universities and municipalities.

Ohioans wishing to help fund projects that protect and restore Lake Erie and its 
watershed can purchase the Marblehead Lighthouse plate or send a donation 
directly to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission office at One Maritime Plaza, 4th 
Floor, Toledo, Ohio 43604. 



For information on the Lake Erie Protection Fund, or to read about past grant 
projects, please visit: http://lakeerie.ohio.gov/.

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For more information, contact:
Kristin Gardner, Ohio Lake Erie Commission Grants Manager
419. 245. 2514
 
 
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