Andy Roberts

Photo of Andy Roberts in a wetsuit and dive gear holding a freshwater mussel by USFWS.
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
Address

101 Park DeVille Drive
Suite A
Columbia, MO 65203
United States

About Andy Roberts

My work centers on the conservation of freshwater mussels. I coordinate with federal and state agencies to help recover federally listed mussels and other species. This involves helping agencies reduce aquatic impacts of proposed projects like bridge and highway construction or develop ways to improve streams. I also work with researches to develop projects that benefit our scientific knowledge of mussels. Because mussels are good indicators of stream conditions, I am also involved in several ongoing mussel population monitoring projects throughout Missouri. My professional goals include maintaining trust and scientific integrity while carrying out the Service’s mission.

Email Andy for ESA Interagency Consultation if actions are associated with the following:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): Hydropower
  • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): South of the Missouri River
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): St. Louis District, South of the Missouri River

     

Education

M.S. 1997. Biology. Missouri State University, Springfield, MO.

B.S. 1995. Biology. Missouri State University, Springfield, MO.

Areas of expertise
Stream Ecology
Mussel Conservation
Mussel Surveys
Jetboat Operation
Scientific Diving

From The Library

Quantitative Survey of Freshwater Mussels (Unionoidea) and Assessment of Sediment Contamination in the Big River, Missouri

The relationship between freshwater mussel density and heavy metal concentrations in river sediments was investigated in the Big River downstream of areas with past mineral mining. Quantitative mussel surveys were conducted and river sediments were analyzed for grain size and concentrations of...

An Assessment of Freshwater Mussel (Bivalvia: Margaritiferidae and Unionidae) Populations and Heavy Metal Sediment Contamination in the Big River, Missouri

This assessment was conducted in the lead mining-impacted Big River basin of Missouri to: 1) determine the downstream extent of heavy metal contamination of sediment; 2) determine distribution, diversity, and abundance of freshwater mussel species; and 3) evaluate the relationship between heavy...