Freshwater Mussels

Freshwater Mussels

From Fins, Fur, and Feathers by Joe Gerken and Drew Ricketts

January 27, 2026 · 34 min · Episode 60

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of freshwater mussels in ecosystems and their decline in Kansas.

Freshwater mussels are important animals in a healthy aquatic ecosystem but they are facing widespread declines in Kansas and throughout their native ranges. Join Joe and Drew as they discuss freshwater mussel life history characteristics, how humans have used them in the past, and steps you can take to help ensure they persist for future generations. Dr. Joe Gerken and Dr. Drew Ricketts are extension specialists and faculty members in the Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Program at Kansas State University. Find out more about the program at http://hnr.k-state.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/wildlife-outdoor-management.html Watch the podcast on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@KSEWildlife

People in this episode

Hosts: Joe Gerken, Drew Ricketts

Topics covered

  • freshwater mussels
  • aquatic ecosystems
  • conservation
  • wildlife management
  • human impact

Keywords

  • freshwater mussels
  • ecosystem health
  • conservation efforts
  • wildlife management
  • Kansas State University

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kansas State University

Places: Kansas

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