Mussel Propagation at Norfork National Fish Hatchery

   Although Norfork National Fish Hatchery is a trout production hatchery, that isn't the only thing we do. Mussel propagation is another project we are proud to be a part of. This project is in cooperation with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. All over the country, mussels species are on the decline. Many are considered threatened or even endangered. Through propagation, we can supplement populations or reintroduce mussels to certain areas. Each year, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's malacologist brings us brood mussels. These are gravid females, ready to release mussel larvae, or glochidia. Glochidia are parasitic to fish, usually residing in the gills. These glochidia feed on a fish's bodily fluids until they fall off as juvenile mussels. We can mimic this process in a way. When we receive brood mussels, we will also have live host fish. Some mussel species have specific host fish, so it is important for us to have the right fish for the job. Those fish are then infested with glochidia and placed in cages. These cages have sandy bottoms so that the juvenile mussels will fall off into a suitable, temporary home. Once the mussels fall off of the host fish, they are filter feeders. They filter the water, feeding on things like phytoplankton, organic matter, algae, and bacteria.  After a few months, the cages are pulled, we count the mussels and the malacologist distributes the ones that are ready. This project has allowed us to build working relationships with other professionals, acquire new knowledge, and be a part of saving species.