Teeswater River Mussel Relocation

From 2015-2017 Biotactic performed a mussel relocation project in the Teeswater River as part of the reconstruction of the Big Irwin Bridge. The Teeswater River is known to support populations of Rainbow Mussel (Villosa iris) which are listed as endangered under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act. Following the Protocol for the Detection and Relocation of Freshwater Mussel Species at Risk in Ontario-Great Lakes Area set forth by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada ~800 mussels were collected from the relocation site including Spike (Elliptio dilatata), Elktoe (Alasmidonta marginata), Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea), Slippershell (Alasmidonta viridis) and Rainbow Mussel. Post-relocation monitoring of the relocation site, prescribed search area (PSA) and control site was conducted at one month, one year and two year intervals.