Freshwater Bivalves of Maryland

Maryland is home to at least sixteen native species of freshwater mussels, though that number continues to shift as taxonomic work refines our understanding. These species occur statewide in a wide range of aquatic habitats, and identification can be challenging. Key features often lie inside the shell, and many species show significant variation in shape and appearance. Maryland has also gained two additional species from the Ohio River basin through the movement of host fish carrying mussel larvae.

In this talk, Matt Ashton, manager of the Freshwater Mussel Assessment Program at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, will introduce the freshwater mussels of Maryland. We’ll learn what they look like, how to tell them apart, and where they live. Matt has surveyed and monitored mussels across the state since 2007, supporting conservation, habitat restoration, and captive propagation efforts. He brings prior experience working with mussel communities in the Southeast and Midwest.