Kristen cook
Reproductive and life-history traits of western pearlshell mussels in Montana
The western pearlshell, a freshwater mussel, is designated a species of concern in Montana due to population declines and whole-watershed extirpations. The decline of western pearlshells is particularly alarming considering the benefits freshwater mussels provide to aquatic ecosystems. Freshwater mussels can improve water quality through biofiltration, recycle nutrients, provide important food web components, and act as bio-indicators. Conservation of western pearlshells in Montana will require fundamental information on reproduction and life-history traits that is currently lacking.
Kristen Cook, a graduate student at Montana State University, is determining the timing and duration of western pearlshell reproductive events in Montana, and their relationship to water temperature. She is also investigating the fish hosts of Montana western pearlshell populations.