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Joel Sartore Joel Sartore

National Geographic Photographer and Speaker

Keyword: Freshwater mussel

Photo: Shell of a dead freshwater mussel (Anodonta sp.) at Fluviário in Mora, Portugal.

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Shell of a dead freshwater mussel (Anodonta sp.) at Fluviário in Mora, Portugal.

Photo: Shell of a dead freshwater mussel (Anodonta sp.) at Fluviário in Mora, Portugal.

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Shell of a dead freshwater mussel (Anodonta sp.) at Fluviário in Mora, Portugal.

Photo: Pondmussel (Ligumia subrostrata) at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs.

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Pondmussel (Ligumia subrostrata)
at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs.

Photo: Pondmussel (Ligumia subrostrata) at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs.

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Pondmussel (Ligumia subrostrata)
at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs.

A shell of a dead winged mapleleaf mussel (Quadrula fragosa). The winged mapleleaf is critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered. This is one of 44 species of freshwater mussels still found in the upper Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien, WI.

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A shell of a dead winged mapleleaf mussel (Quadrula fragosa). The winged mapleleaf is critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered. This is one of 44 species of freshwater mussels still found in the upper Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien, WI.

An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered oyster mussels (Epioblasma capsaeformis). These mussels and many others are in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to impoundments and pollution. Pollution from coal mining in the Clinch River watershed is of special concern. The fine sedimentation that comes downstream from the mines is thought to impede mussel survival.

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Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered oyster mussels (Epioblasma capsaeformis). These mussels and many others are in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to impoundments and pollution. Pollution from coal mining in the Clinch River watershed is of special concern. The fine sedimentation that comes downstream from the mines is thought to impede mussel survival.

Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens). It has lures that look like fish eggs on top that are used to attract fish. When a fish strikes at the lures, the mussels then eject their larvae into the fish's gills and are able to increase their distribution, even upstream. The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

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ESA002-00356

Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens). It has lures that look like fish eggs on top that are used to attract fish. When a fish strikes at the lures, the mussels then eject their larvae into the fish’s gills and are able to increase their distribution, even upstream. The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

Photo: Endangered freshwater mussels.

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Endangered freshwater mussels. Mussels are the most endangered fauna species, with 50% of them now either threatened, endangered, or extinct.

Photo: Endangered mussels extend their feet to move around.

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Endangered mussels extend their feet to move around. All are from the Clinch River in eastern TN. More endangered aquatic animals are found here than anywhere else in North America.

Photo: Endangered mussels extend their feet to move around.

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Endangered mussels extend their feet to move around. All are from the Clinch River in eastern TN. More endangered aquatic animals are found here than anywhere else in North America.

A shiny pigtoe, Fusconaia cor, a critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered freshwater mussel.

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A shiny pigtoe, Fusconaia cor, a critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered freshwater mussel.

Photo: A federally endangered fine-rayed pigtoe (Fusconaia cuneolus) taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville.

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A federally endangered fine-rayed pigtoe (Fusconaia cuneolus) taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville. The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

Photo: A federally endangered fine-rayed pigtoe (Fusconaia cuneolus) taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville.

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A federally endangered fine-rayed pigtoe (Fusconaia cuneolus) taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville. The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

Photo: A federally endangered fine-rayed pigtoe (Fusconaia cuneolus) taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville.

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A federally endangered fine-rayed pigtoe (Fusconaia cuneolus) taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville. The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

A critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis). These mussels and many others are in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to such as impoundments and pollution. Pollution from coal mining in the Clinch River watershed is of special concern. The fine sedimentation that comes downstream from the mines is thought to impede mussel survival.

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A critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis). These mussels and many others are in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to such as impoundments and pollution. Pollution from coal mining in the Clinch River watershed is of special concern. The fine sedimentation that comes downstream from the mines is thought to impede mussel survival.

A critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis) displaying its blue-white mantle. These mussels and many others are in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to impoundments and pollution. Pollution from coal mining in the Clinch River watershed is of special concern. The fine sedimentation that comes downstream from the mines is thought to impede mussel survival.

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ESA002-00354

A critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis) displaying its blue-white mantle. These mussels and many others are in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to impoundments and pollution. Pollution from coal mining in the Clinch River watershed is of special concern. The fine sedimentation that comes downstream from the mines is thought to impede mussel survival.

Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens) taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville. They have ball lures on top that are used to attract fish to come near. When a fish strikes at the lures, the freshwater mussels then eject their larvae into the fish's gills and are able to increase their distribution.

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Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens) taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville. They have ball lures on top that are used to attract fish to come near. When a fish strikes at the lures, the freshwater mussels then eject their larvae into the fish’s gills and are able to increase their distribution.

A critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis) displaying its blue-white mantle. These mussels and many others are in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to such as impoundments and pollution. Pollution from coal mining in the Clinch River watershed is of special concern. The fine sedimentation that comes downstream from the mines is thought to impede mussel survival.

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ESA002-00345

A critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis) displaying its blue-white mantle. These mussels and many others are in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to such as impoundments and pollution. Pollution from coal mining in the Clinch River watershed is of special concern. The fine sedimentation that comes downstream from the mines is thought to impede mussel survival.

Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens). It has lures that look like fish eggs on top that are used to attract fish. When a fish strikes at the lures, the mussels then eject their larvae into the fish's gills and are able to increase their distribution, even upstream. The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet it is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

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Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens). It has lures that look like fish eggs on top that are used to attract fish. When a fish strikes at the lures, the mussels then eject their larvae into the fish’s gills and are able to increase their distribution, even upstream. The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet it is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

A rough rabbit's foot, Quadrula cylindrica strigilatta

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A rough rabbit’s foot, Quadrula cylindrica strigilatta

Photo: Hands frame specimens of freshwater mussels belonging to the genus Epioblasma.

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Hands frame specimens of freshwater mussels belonging to the genus Epioblasma. The three in the very center are acornshells, last found alive in the 1970s. They are surrounded in the central box by catspaws, which are in rapid decline. The rest of the photo shows ten more Epioblasma species that are either extinct or nearly so.

Photo: An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

Photo: An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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ESA001-00348

An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

Photo: An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

Photo: An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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ESA001-00341

An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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ESA001-00343

An endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

Photo: An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

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An endangered Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii) at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery, Genoa, Wisconsin.

A shell of a dead winged mapleleaf mussel (Quadrula fragosa). The winged mapleleaf is critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered. This is one of 44 species of freshwater mussels still found in the upper Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien, WI.

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ESA001-00345

A shell of a dead winged mapleleaf mussel (Quadrula fragosa). The winged mapleleaf is critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered. This is one of 44 species of freshwater mussels still found in the upper Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien, WI.

Photo: Federally listed endangered freshwater mussels taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville.

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Federally listed endangered freshwater mussels taken from the Clinch River near Sneedville. Shown is a finerayed pigtoe (Fusconaia cuneolus).The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens). It has lures that look like fish eggs on top that are used to attract fish. When a fish strikes at the lures, the mussels then eject their larvae into the fish's gills and are able to increase their distribution, even upstream. The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

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ESA001-00310

Critically endangered (IUCN) and federally endangered Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens). It has lures that look like fish eggs on top that are used to attract fish. When a fish strikes at the lures, the mussels then eject their larvae into the fish’s gills and are able to increase their distribution, even upstream. The Clinch River has more federally listed aquatic species than any river in North America, yet is threatened by pollution and habitat loss. Coal mining in the watershed now raises the threat even more.

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